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220-1201 Practice Question: During a network upgrade, a new switch is…
During a network upgrade, a new switch is installed. After connecting all devices, one workstation cannot obtain an IP address via DHCP, while all other workstations on the same switch work fine. What is the first step to troubleshoot this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the troubleshooting methodology principle of starting with the simplest, most likely cause (physical connectivity) rather than jumping to service restarts or configuration changes, catching candidates who skip Layer 1 checks.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check if the network cable is securely connected and the link lights are on.
The first step in troubleshooting a single workstation that cannot obtain a DHCP address is to verify physical connectivity — checking that the network cable is securely connected and the link lights are on. This quickly rules out the most common cause (loose or faulty cabling) before moving to more complex diagnostics. Only after confirming physical connectivity should you investigate DHCP services or IP configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the network cable.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing a network cable prematurely is an inefficient troubleshooting step. While a faulty cable can indeed prevent connectivity, it is crucial to first visually inspect the existing cable for damage and confirm its secure connection at both ends. Verifying link light status and port configuration provides more diagnostic information before resorting to component replacement, which should be a later step after initial diagnostics rule out simpler causes.
- ✓
Check if the network cable is securely connected and the link lights are on.
Why this is correct
Verifying the physical connection and observing link lights is the foundational first step in network troubleshooting, aligning with the OSI model's Layer 1. A securely seated cable and active link lights on both the device and the switch port confirm basic physical connectivity and signal transmission. This quick check can immediately identify common issues like a loose cable, a disabled port, or a hardware fault, preventing unnecessary complex diagnostics.
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Restart the DHCP service on the router.
Why it's wrong here
Restarting the DHCP service on the router is an inappropriate initial step for a single workstation's connectivity issue. DHCP primarily manages IP address assignment for all devices on the network segment, and a problem affecting only one workstation is unlikely to stem from a global DHCP service failure. This action could disrupt IP leases for other operational devices, unnecessarily broadening the scope of the problem and potentially creating new issues.
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Assign a static IP address to the workstation.
Why it's wrong here
Assigning a static IP address to the workstation, while potentially restoring connectivity if the issue is DHCP-related, is a troubleshooting bypass rather than a root cause identification. This action circumvents the dynamic addressing process without diagnosing why the workstation failed to obtain an IP address in the first place. Effective troubleshooting prioritizes identifying and resolving the underlying problem, starting with physical layer checks, before implementing workarounds.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.