The answer is that the laptop’s static IP address is not in the same subnet as the router. This is the most likely issue because when a device has a manually configured static IP, it does not automatically receive subnet and gateway settings from the router via DHCP. If the static IP falls outside the router’s subnet range, the laptop can establish a local Wi-Fi link—showing “Secured”—but cannot route traffic to the internet, resulting in the “No Internet” message. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of IP addressing and subnetting fundamentals, often appearing as a common trap where test-takers blame DNS or the router itself. A useful memory tip is “Static IP, same subnet, or no net”—if the static address doesn’t match the router’s subnet mask and network ID, the gateway is unreachable, and internet access fails.
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 connects to a Wi-Fi network but gets a 'No Internet, Secured' message. The laptop has a static IP address configured. What is the most likely issue?
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 static IP address is not in the same subnet as the router.
This tests understanding of IP configuration. A static IP that is not in the same subnet as the router or has an incorrect default gateway will prevent internet access even though the Wi-Fi link is established.
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.
✗
The Wi-Fi network's SSID is hidden.
Why it's wrong here
A hidden SSID does not affect IP configuration or internet access once connected.
✓
The laptop's static IP address is not in the same subnet as the router.
Why this is correct
A mismatched subnet means the laptop cannot communicate with the default gateway, so internet access fails.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
A corrupted driver would likely cause connection drops or inability to connect, not a stable connection with no internet.
✗
The router's DHCP server is disabled.
Why it's wrong here
Since the laptop uses a static IP, DHCP status is irrelevant; other devices may still work.
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.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity — This question tests Mobile Device Network Connectivity — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The laptop's static IP address is not in the same subnet as the router. — This tests understanding of IP configuration. A static IP that is not in the same subnet as the router or has an incorrect default gateway will prevent internet access even though the Wi-Fi link is established.
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: "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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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