- A
The server’s default gateway is incorrect.
Why wrong: An incorrect gateway would prevent the server from reaching the internet, but internal access works, so the gateway is likely correct.
- B
A firewall rule on the server is blocking inbound traffic.
Why wrong: This could block internet access, but the scenario points to a network-level issue since internal access works; port forwarding is the common missing piece.
- C
Port forwarding is not configured on the router.
Port forwarding maps the public IP and port to the server’s private IP, allowing internet users to reach it.
- D
The DNS A record for the server points to the wrong IP.
Why wrong: A wrong DNS record would cause name resolution failure, but the scenario says the server is not accessible from the internet, which could be due to missing port forwarding regardless of DNS.
Quick Answer
The answer is that port forwarding is not configured on the router. This is the correct choice because a server using a private IP address like 192.168.1.10 is not directly reachable from the internet; the router’s Network Address Translation (NAT) must be told to forward incoming traffic on a specific port—such as port 80 for HTTP—to that internal server’s IP. Without this rule, the router receives requests on its public IP 203.0.113.50 but has no instruction where to send them, so it drops the packets. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of NAT and port forwarding as a fundamental networking configuration, often appearing as a troubleshooting question where the server works locally but fails externally. A common trap is confusing port forwarding with a firewall rule—remember, a firewall blocks traffic, while port forwarding directs it. For a memory tip, think “Public in, Private out: Forward the port to the server’s court.”
220-1201 Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network troubleshooting. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company’s web server is accessible from the internal network but not from the internet. The server has a static IP of 192.168.1.10, and the router’s public IP is 203.0.113.50. What configuration is most likely missing?
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 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
Port forwarding is not configured on the router.
For a server on a private IP to be accessible from the internet, the router must have port forwarding configured to direct incoming traffic to the server’s private IP. Without it, requests to the public IP are dropped.
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.
- ✗
The server’s default gateway is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
An incorrect gateway would prevent the server from reaching the internet, but internal access works, so the gateway is likely correct.
- ✗
A firewall rule on the server is blocking inbound traffic.
Why it's wrong here
This could block internet access, but the scenario points to a network-level issue since internal access works; port forwarding is the common missing piece.
- ✓
Port forwarding is not configured on the router.
Why this is correct
Port forwarding maps the public IP and port to the server’s private IP, allowing internet users to reach it.
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.
- ✗
The DNS A record for the server points to the wrong IP.
Why it's wrong here
A wrong DNS record would cause name resolution failure, but the scenario says the server is not accessible from the internet, which could be due to missing port forwarding regardless of DNS.
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
This could block internet access, but the scenario points to a network-level issue since internal access works; port forwarding is the common missing piece.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Troubleshooting — This question tests Network Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Port forwarding is not configured on the router. — For a server on a private IP to be accessible from the internet, the router must have port forwarding configured to direct incoming traffic to the server’s private IP. Without it, requests to the public IP are dropped.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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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