- A
The default gateway is down.
Why wrong: If the default gateway were down, the first hop would not respond, but it does respond.
- B
The web server is offline.
Why wrong: If the web server were offline, the tracert might still show intermediate hops, but the final destination would time out. However, the pattern of timeouts after the first hop suggests a routing problem.
- C
A router along the path is misconfigured or dropping packets.
The first hop works, but subsequent hops timing out indicates a routing issue beyond the local network, likely a misconfigured router or firewall blocking traffic.
- D
The user's computer has a duplicate IP address.
Why wrong: A duplicate IP would cause intermittent connectivity or conflicts, but the ability to ping the gateway suggests the IP is valid and not duplicated.
Quick Answer
The answer is a router along the path is misconfigured or dropping packets. This is correct because tracert works by sending ICMP echo requests with incrementing TTL values; the first hop responds, confirming local connectivity to the default gateway, but when later hops time out, it indicates that a router beyond the local network is either misconfigured, blocking ICMP traffic, or dropping packets due to a routing loop or firewall rule. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between local and remote routing issues—a common trap is assuming the problem is with the destination server or the user’s NIC, but since the gateway replies, the fault lies upstream. Remember the memory tip: “First hop fine, later hops blind—look for a router that’s unkind.”
220-1201 Network Configuration Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network configuration concepts. 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 connectivity issue where a user's computer can ping the default gateway but cannot access a web server at 203.0.113.50. The technician runs a tracert and sees that the first hop responds, but subsequent hops time out. 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:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
A router along the path is misconfigured or dropping packets.
Tracert shows the path packets take to a destination. If the first hop (default gateway) responds but later hops time out, it suggests a routing issue beyond the local network, such as a misconfigured router or a firewall blocking ICMP. The fact that the gateway is reachable rules out local connectivity problems.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 default gateway is down.
Why it's wrong here
If the default gateway were down, the first hop would not respond, but it does respond.
- ✗
The web server is offline.
Why it's wrong here
If the web server were offline, the tracert might still show intermediate hops, but the final destination would time out. However, the pattern of timeouts after the first hop suggests a routing problem.
- ✓
A router along the path is misconfigured or dropping packets.
Why this is correct
The first hop works, but subsequent hops timing out indicates a routing issue beyond the local network, likely a misconfigured router or firewall blocking traffic.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "first", "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
The user's computer has a duplicate IP address.
Why it's wrong here
A duplicate IP would cause intermittent connectivity or conflicts, but the ability to ping the gateway suggests the IP is valid and not duplicated.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
If the web server were offline, the tracert might still show intermediate hops, but the final destination would time out. However, the pattern of timeouts after the first hop suggests a routing problem.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Configuration Concepts — This question tests Network Configuration Concepts — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A router along the path is misconfigured or dropping packets. — Tracert shows the path packets take to a destination. If the first hop (default gateway) responds but later hops time out, it suggests a routing issue beyond the local network, such as a misconfigured router or a firewall blocking ICMP. The fact that the gateway is reachable rules out local connectivity problems.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first", "most likely". 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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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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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