The answer is infrastructure mode WLAN, and the most likely cause of the disconnection is insufficient signal strength from the access point at that distance. In an infrastructure mode wireless LAN, all client devices communicate through a central access point rather than directly with each other, which means the effective range of the network is limited by the AP’s transmit power and environmental obstacles. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of basic WLAN topologies and the practical limitations of radio frequency propagation—a common trap is confusing infrastructure mode with ad hoc mode, where devices connect peer-to-peer without an AP. To remember, think of infrastructure mode as a “hub-and-spoke” model: every device must stay within the spoke’s reach of the central hub. A quick memory tip: “Infrastructure = In the middle (AP), so distance matters.”
220-1201 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. 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 user complains that their laptop frequently disconnects from the Wi-Fi when they move from their desk to a conference room 30 meters away. The office uses a single wireless access point (AP). Which network type is being used, and what is the most likely cause of the disconnection?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Infrastructure mode WLAN; the AP's signal strength is insufficient at that distance.
This is an infrastructure mode wireless LAN (WLAN) where devices connect through a central AP. The disconnection is likely due to the AP's range limitation or signal interference. Infrastructure mode is standard for most office Wi-Fi, and range issues are common when moving away from the AP.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Ad hoc network; the laptop is trying to connect directly to other devices.
Why it's wrong here
Ad hoc networks are device-to-device without an AP, but the scenario mentions a single AP, so this is infrastructure mode.
✓
Infrastructure mode WLAN; the AP's signal strength is insufficient at that distance.
Why this is correct
Infrastructure mode uses an AP; 30 meters can exceed the effective range, especially with obstacles, causing disconnections.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Mesh network; the laptop is roaming between mesh nodes.
Why it's wrong here
A mesh network uses multiple nodes to extend coverage, but the scenario specifies a single AP.
✗
PAN network; the laptop is using Bluetooth, which has limited range.
Why it's wrong here
Bluetooth PANs have a range of about 10 meters, but the user is on Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Ad hoc networks are device-to-device without an AP, but the scenario mentions a single AP, so this is infrastructure mode.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Network Types — This question tests Network Types — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Infrastructure mode WLAN; the AP's signal strength is insufficient at that distance. — This is an infrastructure mode wireless LAN (WLAN) where devices connect through a central AP. The disconnection is likely due to the AP's range limitation or signal interference. Infrastructure mode is standard for most office Wi-Fi, and range issues are common when moving away from the AP.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is troubleshooting a customer's home network where the desktop PC is wired to the router, but the wireless printer intermittently disappears from the network. The printer is connected via Wi-Fi to the same router. After checking, the technician finds that the printer's IP address is in the 169.254.x.x range. Which network type is the printer attempting to use, and what does this indicate?
hard
A.Peer-to-peer network; the printer is sharing directly with the PC.
✓ B.WLAN with DHCP failure; the printer has self-assigned an APIPA address.
C.PAN network; the printer is using Bluetooth.
D.Ad hoc network; the printer is connecting directly to the PC.
Why B: An IP address in the 169.254.x.x range indicates that the device has failed to obtain an IP from a DHCP server and has assigned itself an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address. This is not a separate network type but a fallback mechanism within a LAN/WLAN. The printer is on a WLAN but cannot get a valid IP, causing connectivity loss.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
Question Discussion
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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.
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