The answer is a directional antenna. In a warehouse with metal shelving and concrete walls, omnidirectional antennas broadcast signals in all directions, which causes them to reflect off obstacles and create dead zones, whereas a directional antenna focuses the signal into a narrow beam that can penetrate around metal shelving and extend range down long aisles. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how physical environment dictates antenna selection—a common trap is choosing an omnidirectional antenna because it seems simpler, but the exam expects you to recognize that directional antennas (like Yagi or panel types) overcome signal blockage in dense, obstacle-filled spaces. A helpful memory tip: think of a directional antenna as a flashlight beam versus an omnidirectional antenna as a bare light bulb—when you need to punch through obstacles, you aim the beam.
220-1201 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is deploying a wireless network in a large warehouse. The warehouse has metal shelving and concrete walls. The technician needs to ensure coverage throughout the area. Which antenna type should be used for the access points to maximize coverage in this environment?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Directional antenna
In an environment with obstacles like metal and concrete, omnidirectional antennas may not penetrate well. Directional antennas can focus the signal in a specific direction, helping to overcome obstacles and extend range. The correct answer is a directional antenna, such as a Yagi or panel antenna.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Omnidirectional antenna
Why it's wrong here
Omnidirectional antennas radiate in all directions, but they are less effective in penetrating dense obstacles and may cause interference.
✓
Directional antenna
Why this is correct
Directional antennas focus the signal in a specific direction, allowing better penetration through obstacles and longer range in targeted areas.
A dipole antenna is a type of omnidirectional antenna, which is not optimal for this environment.
✗
Rubber duck antenna
Why it's wrong here
A rubber duck antenna is a small omnidirectional antenna, unsuitable for penetrating metal and concrete.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Directional antenna — In an environment with obstacles like metal and concrete, omnidirectional antennas may not penetrate well. Directional antennas can focus the signal in a specific direction, helping to overcome obstacles and extend range. The correct answer is a directional antenna, such as a Yagi or panel antenna.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Question Discussion
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