The answer is a Wide Area Network (WAN). A WAN is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to interconnect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) across large geographic distances, such as between two different cities, using leased lines or secure VPN tunnels to provide a high-speed, long-distance connection. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish network types by scale; a common trap is confusing a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) with a WAN, but remember that a MAN covers a single city or campus, not multiple cities. To lock in the difference, think of the acronyms geographically: LAN is local (your office), MAN is metro (your city), and WAN is wide (the world). A quick memory tip: “WAN is the wide world, MAN is your metro, LAN is your land.”
220-1201 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. 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 company has offices in two different cities and needs to connect their local networks so employees can access centralized resources. They require a secure, high-speed connection over a long distance. Which network type 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
✓
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is designed to connect multiple LANs over large geographic distances, such as between cities, using leased lines or VPNs for security. This matches the requirement for a long-distance, secure connection. A LAN is too local, a MAN covers a city but not multiple cities, and a PAN is too short-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.
✗
Local Area Network (LAN)
Why it's wrong here
A LAN is confined to a single location and cannot connect offices in different cities.
✗
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A MAN covers a city-sized area but not multiple cities, so it would not work for this scenario.
✓
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why this is correct
A WAN is specifically built to connect networks across long distances, such as between cities, and supports secure connections.
A PAN covers only a few meters and is irrelevant for inter-city connectivity.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
A MAN covers a city-sized area but not multiple cities, so it would not work for this scenario.
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.
Network Types — This question tests Network Types — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Wide Area Network (WAN) — A Wide Area Network (WAN) is designed to connect multiple LANs over large geographic distances, such as between cities, using leased lines or VPNs for security. This matches the requirement for a long-distance, secure connection. A LAN is too local, a MAN covers a city but not multiple cities, and a PAN is too short-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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A large corporation needs to connect its headquarters in New York to a regional office in Los Angeles, as well as to a data center in Chicago, using dedicated leased lines. The network must support high bandwidth for video conferencing and data transfers. Which network topology best describes this setup?
hard
A.Local Area Network (LAN)
B.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
✓ C.Wide Area Network (WAN)
D.Personal Area Network (PAN)
Why C: A Wide Area Network (WAN) is the correct network type for connecting geographically dispersed locations, such as cities across the United States, using leased lines for dedicated, high-bandwidth connections. This scenario specifically requires a WAN to link multiple sites over long distances. A LAN is too local, a MAN covers a city, and a PAN is too short-range.
Variation 2. A multinational corporation has offices in New York, London, and Tokyo. They need a private, dedicated network to connect all offices with high reliability and low latency. Which network type should be implemented?
hard
A.Local Area Network (LAN)
B.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
✓ C.Wide Area Network (WAN)
D.Personal Area Network (PAN)
Why C: A WAN (Wide Area Network) is the only network type that can connect offices across continents. A LAN is local, a MAN covers a city, and a PAN is personal. The correct answer is WAN because it spans global distances, often using leased lines or MPLS.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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