The answer is an outdated or misconfigured Wi-Fi driver. Even though the laptop supports dual-band Wi-Fi, the driver software may be set to prefer the 2.4 GHz band or lack proper support for the specific 5 GHz channel in use, such as a region-restricted DFS channel. This is a common scenario on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, testing your understanding that hardware capability alone does not guarantee functionality—driver configuration and compatibility are critical. A frequent trap is assuming the issue is a hardware failure or antenna problem, but since 2.4 GHz works, the radio itself is fine. Remember the memory tip: “Driver decides the band—if 5 GHz is banned, check the driver’s hand.”
220-1201 Mobile Device Network Connectivity Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device network connectivity. 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 technician is troubleshooting a laptop that cannot connect to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network, but it connects to 2.4 GHz networks without issue. The laptop supports dual-band Wi-Fi. What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
The laptop's Wi-Fi driver is outdated or misconfigured for 5 GHz.
This tests knowledge of Wi-Fi standards and configuration. Even if a device supports dual-band, the driver or software may be set to prefer 2.4 GHz, or the 5 GHz channel may be set to a region-specific channel the laptop does not support.
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 5 GHz router is too far from the laptop.
Why it's wrong here
5 GHz has shorter range, but if the laptop is close enough to connect to 2.4 GHz, range is unlikely the issue.
✓
The laptop's Wi-Fi driver is outdated or misconfigured for 5 GHz.
Why this is correct
An outdated driver may not properly support 5 GHz channels or band steering, causing connection failures.
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 5 GHz network is using WEP encryption.
Why it's wrong here
WEP is outdated but would affect both bands equally if used; modern devices usually support WPA2.
✗
The laptop's Wi-Fi card is only 2.4 GHz capable.
Why it's wrong here
The scenario states the laptop supports dual-band, so the hardware is capable.
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
The scenario states the laptop supports dual-band, so the hardware is capable.
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.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity — This question tests Mobile Device Network Connectivity — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The laptop's Wi-Fi driver is outdated or misconfigured for 5 GHz. — This tests knowledge of Wi-Fi standards and configuration. Even if a device supports dual-band, the driver or software may be set to prefer 2.4 GHz, or the 5 GHz channel may be set to a region-specific channel the laptop does not support.
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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Question Discussion
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