The answer is ipconfig, because it is the fastest way to verify a device’s IP configuration when a laptop connects to Wi-Fi but cannot reach the internet. The ipconfig command displays the current IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway assigned to the network adapter, allowing you to quickly check if the laptop received a valid address from DHCP or if it has fallen back to an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address like 169.254.x.x. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the OSI model’s Network layer and the troubleshooting methodology—specifically, establishing a theory of probable cause by checking basic configuration first. A common trap is jumping to ping or tracert before verifying the IP assignment, but ipconfig is the logical first step because it rules out misconfiguration or DHCP failure. Remember the mnemonic: “If you can’t reach the web, check the IP with ipconfig first.”
220-1201 Networking Tools Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of networking tools. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 reports that their new laptop can connect to the office Wi-Fi but cannot access any internet sites. Other devices on the same network work fine. Which tool should be used first to verify the laptop's IP configuration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ipconfig
The ipconfig command displays the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway assigned to a network adapter. Since the laptop connects to Wi-Fi but can't reach the internet, checking its IP configuration (e.g., whether it received a valid address via DHCP) is the logical first step.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Ping
Why it's wrong here
Ping tests connectivity to a remote host, but without verifying the IP configuration first, you may misinterpret results.
✓
ipconfig
Why this is correct
ipconfig shows the current IP settings, allowing you to quickly see if the laptop has a valid address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Tracert traces the route to a destination, which is useful after confirming a valid IP configuration, not as the first step.
✗
Netstat
Why it's wrong here
Netstat displays active connections and listening ports, not the IP configuration of the adapter.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Networking Tools — This question tests Networking Tools — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ipconfig — The ipconfig command displays the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway assigned to a network adapter. Since the laptop connects to Wi-Fi but can't reach the internet, checking its IP configuration (e.g., whether it received a valid address via DHCP) is the logical first step.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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 customer reports that their new laptop can connect to websites using IP addresses but cannot resolve domain names like 'www.example.com'. Which networking tool should be used to verify the DNS server configuration on the laptop?
easy
A.ping 8.8.8.8
✓ B.ipconfig /all
C.nslookup www.example.com
D.tracert 8.8.8.8
Why B: This scenario describes a DNS resolution failure—the device can reach IP addresses but not domain names. The `ipconfig /all` command on Windows displays the configured DNS servers, allowing verification. Tools like `ping` test connectivity, `nslookup` queries DNS, and `tracert` traces routes, but only `ipconfig /all` shows the DNS server addresses assigned to the interface.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.