The correct answer is a Local Area Network (LAN), because a LAN is specifically designed to connect devices within a limited physical area, such as a single building or warehouse, enabling local communication without requiring internet access. In this scenario, the handheld scanners need to communicate with a central server on-site, and a LAN—whether wired Ethernet or wireless Wi-Fi—provides the necessary high-speed, low-latency connection for that purpose. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish network types by scope: a LAN covers a building or campus, while a WAN spans cities, a MAN covers a metropolitan area, and a PAN is limited to a few meters. A common trap is confusing a WAN with a LAN when internet is absent, but remember that a LAN operates independently of internet access. To lock in the concept, use the memory tip: “LAN is for the land you own—one building, one network.”
220-1201 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. 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 client wants to set up a network in a single large warehouse where employees use handheld scanners to track inventory. The scanners need to communicate with a central server located in the same building, but no internet access is required. Which network type should be configured?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) is the appropriate choice for connecting devices within a single building, such as a warehouse, allowing the handheld scanners to communicate with the central server. It can be wired or wireless and does not require internet. A WAN is for wider areas, a PAN is too short-range for a warehouse, and a MAN is for city-scale.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why it's wrong here
A WAN is used for long-distance connections and is unnecessary for devices in the same building.
✗
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Why it's wrong here
A PAN covers only a few meters, which is insufficient for a large warehouse.
✓
Local Area Network (LAN)
Why this is correct
A LAN connects devices within a single building, making it ideal for the warehouse scenario.
A MAN covers a city area and is overkill for a single building.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. 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.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Network Types — This question tests Network Types — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Local Area Network (LAN) — A Local Area Network (LAN) is the appropriate choice for connecting devices within a single building, such as a warehouse, allowing the handheld scanners to communicate with the central server. It can be wired or wireless and does not require internet. A WAN is for wider areas, a PAN is too short-range for a warehouse, and a MAN is for city-scale.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
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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 setting up a small office with five computers that need to share files and a printer. The office is in a single room, and no internet access is required yet. Which network type should be created?
medium
A.Personal Area Network (PAN)
✓ B.Local Area Network (LAN)
C.Wide Area Network (WAN)
D.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why B: A LAN (Local Area Network) is designed for a small area like a single room or building to share resources among devices. A PAN is too limited for five computers, a WAN is for long distances, and a MAN is for a larger area. The correct answer is LAN because it fits the single-room, resource-sharing requirement.
Variation 2. A customer reports that their home office devices—a laptop, printer, and smartphone—can communicate with each other but cannot access the internet. They have a single router provided by their ISP. Which network type is most likely being used for local communication?
easy
A.Personal Area Network (PAN)
✓ B.Local Area Network (LAN)
C.Wide Area Network (WAN)
D.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why B: A Local Area Network (LAN) connects devices within a limited area, such as a home or office, allowing them to share resources like files and printers. The router creates a LAN for local communication, but internet access requires a properly configured WAN connection. The scenario describes a LAN issue, not a PAN (which is too short-range for a whole home) or a WAN/MAN.
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Question Discussion
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