The answer is IPsec, as it is the correct VPN protocol for encrypting remote access traffic between a client and an internal network. IPsec operates at the network layer, providing both encryption and authentication for all data packets traversing the connection, which ensures end-to-end security for remote users. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish VPN protocols by their specific purposes—a common trap is confusing IPsec with SSL/TLS, which only encrypts web-based traffic, or with L2TP, which requires IPsec to add encryption. A helpful memory tip: think of IPsec as the “IP security” suite that wraps the entire packet, making it the go-to choice for full-tunnel remote access encryption.
220-1201 Network Configuration Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network configuration concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 network administrator is configuring a new firewall to allow remote employees to securely access internal resources. The requirement is to encrypt all traffic between the remote client and the internal network. Which protocol should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
IPsec
This question tests knowledge of VPN protocols and their purposes. IPsec is a suite of protocols that provides encryption and authentication for VPN connections, making it the correct choice for secure remote access. Other options like SSL/TLS are used for web traffic, and L2TP alone does not provide encryption.
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.
✗
SSL/TLS
Why it's wrong here
SSL/TLS is used for securing web traffic (HTTPS), not for creating a full VPN tunnel to an internal network.
✓
IPsec
Why this is correct
IPsec is a standard protocol suite for secure IP communications by encrypting and authenticating each IP packet in a VPN tunnel.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
L2TP
Why it's wrong here
L2TP is a tunneling protocol but does not provide encryption by itself; it is often combined with IPsec for security.
✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is unencrypted and not suitable for secure remote access; it is used for web browsing.
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.
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.
Network Configuration Concepts — This question tests Network Configuration Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: IPsec — This question tests knowledge of VPN protocols and their purposes. IPsec is a suite of protocols that provides encryption and authentication for VPN connections, making it the correct choice for secure remote access. Other options like SSL/TLS are used for web traffic, and L2TP alone does not provide encryption.
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.
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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