The answer is a Wi-Fi dead zone caused by building materials. This is the most likely cause because radio frequency (RF) signals, particularly the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands used by Wi-Fi, are significantly attenuated by dense construction materials such as concrete, steel beams, metal studs, and brick walls. When the user walks into a specific part of the building, these materials block or weaken the signal below the threshold needed to maintain a stable connection, causing the smartphone to disconnect and then quickly reconnect once the user moves back into range. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless signal propagation and environmental interference—a common trap is to blame the access point’s channel congestion or the device’s power settings, but the key clue is the issue occurring only in one physical location. A helpful memory tip: think of Wi-Fi like a flashlight—it works great in open space, but a concrete wall is like a solid brick wall to the beam, creating a dead zone on the other side.
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 user complains that their smartphone frequently disconnects from the office Wi-Fi and then reconnects after a few seconds. The issue occurs only when the user walks to a specific part of the building. 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: "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 smartphone is encountering a Wi-Fi dead zone due to building materials.
Wi-Fi signals can be blocked or weakened by building materials like concrete, metal, or thick walls. The user is likely entering an area with poor signal coverage, causing the device to disconnect and then reconnect when moving back into range.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 smartphone's battery saver mode is turning off Wi-Fi.
Why it's wrong here
Battery saver typically reduces performance but does not cause brief disconnections only in specific locations.
✗
The office access point is overloaded with too many connections.
Why it's wrong here
An overloaded AP would affect all users in the area, not just one user in a specific location.
✓
The smartphone is encountering a Wi-Fi dead zone due to building materials.
Why this is correct
Building materials such as concrete or metal can create dead zones where the signal is too weak, causing intermittent disconnections.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
A loose antenna would cause general connectivity issues everywhere, not just in one specific location.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. 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.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity — This question tests Mobile Device Network Connectivity — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The smartphone is encountering a Wi-Fi dead zone due to building materials. — Wi-Fi signals can be blocked or weakened by building materials like concrete, metal, or thick walls. The user is likely entering an area with poor signal coverage, causing the device to disconnect and then reconnect when moving back into range.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route 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?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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