The answer is a static IP address that does not match the NAT subnet. In NAT mode, the hypervisor’s virtual switch creates a private subnet and uses IP masquerading to translate traffic to the host’s physical network, so the VM must obtain an IP address within that private range—typically via DHCP from the hypervisor. If the VM has a manually configured static IP that falls outside this subnet, or if its default gateway is incorrect, it cannot route traffic through the NAT device, even though the virtual switch is properly set. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how NAT mode differs from bridged or host-only networking, and it’s a common trap where test-takers assume the problem is always the hypervisor or host NIC. A useful memory tip: “NAT needs the right address—static outside the subnet is a dead end.”
220-1201 Virtualization Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization 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 VM that cannot connect to the internet. The host has a single NIC and uses a Type 2 hypervisor. The VM's virtual switch is set to 'NAT'. Other VMs on the same host can access the internet. What is the most likely reason for the connectivity 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 VM's IP address is configured as static and does not match the NAT subnet
NAT mode typically works for internet access, but if other VMs are working, the problem is likely within the VM's network configuration. A misconfigured IP address or gateway can prevent connectivity even when the virtual switch is correct.
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 virtual switch is set to 'Internal'
Why it's wrong here
The scenario states the switch is set to NAT, not Internal, so this is not the cause.
✓
The VM's IP address is configured as static and does not match the NAT subnet
Why this is correct
If the VM has a static IP outside the NAT range (e.g., 192.168.137.x), it cannot reach the gateway, causing internet failure.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The host's firewall is blocking all outbound traffic
Why it's wrong here
If the host firewall blocked outbound traffic, other VMs using the same NAT would also be affected.
✗
The hypervisor needs to be reinstalled
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the hypervisor is an extreme measure; the issue is isolated to one VM, indicating a configuration problem.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
The scenario states the switch is set to NAT, not Internal, so this is not the cause.
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 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.
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.
Virtualization Concepts — This question tests Virtualization Concepts — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VM's IP address is configured as static and does not match the NAT subnet — NAT mode typically works for internet access, but if other VMs are working, the problem is likely within the VM's network configuration. A misconfigured IP address or gateway can prevent connectivity even when the virtual switch is correct.
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.
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 →
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.