The correct answer is to install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling. A signal measured at -85 dBm is extremely weak, sitting near the noise floor where data retransmissions and packet loss become severe, making it unusable for real-time applications like video conferencing. The client requirement of -67 dBm represents a strong, reliable signal, and the only practical way to bridge that gap is to place an access point physically closer to the weak area, which reduces path loss and improves signal-to-noise ratio. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of site survey tools, signal strength thresholds, and the difference between extending a network (via repeaters) versus adding capacity (via access points). A common trap is choosing a range extender, but remember that extenders halve throughput and can introduce latency, while a wired access point preserves full bandwidth. Memory tip: think “-85 is a cry for help—add an AP on the ceiling shelf.”
220-1201 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
During a site survey for a new branch office, you measure signal strength in the conference room and find it is -85 dBm. The client devices require at least -67 dBm for reliable video conferencing. Which action is most appropriate?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling.
A signal of -85 dBm is very weak (near noise floor). The best solution is to add an access point closer to the conference room to boost signal strength to the required level.
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.
✗
Increase the transmit power of the existing access point to maximum.
Why it's wrong here
While this may help slightly, it can cause co-channel interference and may not be enough to bridge the gap from -85 to -67 dBm.
✗
Replace the client devices with ones that have better antennas.
Why it's wrong here
This is impractical for multiple devices and does not address the root cause of poor AP placement.
✓
Install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling.
Why this is correct
Adding an AP provides local coverage, ensuring signal strength meets the -67 dBm requirement for video conferencing.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the channel on the existing AP to a less congested one.
Why it's wrong here
Channel changes improve interference but do not increase signal strength; the signal is still too weak.
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.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling. — A signal of -85 dBm is very weak (near noise floor). The best solution is to add an access point closer to the conference room to boost signal strength to the required level.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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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