The correct answer is to switch to WPA2-Enterprise and configure a RADIUS server. This is necessary because certificate-based authentication is a core feature of WPA2-Enterprise (also known as 802.1X), which uses a RADIUS server to validate digital certificates against a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), whereas WPA2-Personal relies solely on a shared pre-shared key and cannot support individual certificate validation. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between Personal and Enterprise wireless security modes, a common trap being that candidates might mistakenly think WPA2-PSK can be "upgraded" with certificates. A reliable memory tip is to associate "Enterprise" with "Extra infrastructure"—specifically a RADIUS server and PKI—while "Personal" means "Password only."
220-1202 Wireless Security Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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's IT policy requires that all wireless connections use certificate-based authentication to prevent unauthorized access. The network is currently using WPA2-PSK. Which configuration change is necessary to meet this policy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Switch to WPA2-Enterprise and configure a RADIUS server.
Certificate-based authentication is a feature of WPA2-Enterprise (802.1X), not WPA2-Personal. This requires a RADIUS server and PKI infrastructure. The question tests the understanding of the difference between Personal and Enterprise modes.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enable MAC address filtering on the access point.
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering is an additional security layer but does not provide certificate-based authentication; it can be easily spoofed.
✗
Upgrade to WPA3-Personal.
Why it's wrong here
WPA3-Personal uses SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) but still relies on a shared passphrase, not certificates.
✓
Switch to WPA2-Enterprise and configure a RADIUS server.
Why this is correct
WPA2-Enterprise supports 802.1X authentication, which can use certificates issued by a RADIUS server, meeting the policy requirement.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Change the encryption from AES to TKIP.
Why it's wrong here
TKIP is a weaker encryption protocol and does not support certificate-based authentication; it is also deprecated.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
WPA3-Personal uses SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) but still relies on a shared passphrase, not certificates.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Switch to WPA2-Enterprise and configure a RADIUS server. — Certificate-based authentication is a feature of WPA2-Enterprise (802.1X), not WPA2-Personal. This requires a RADIUS server and PKI infrastructure. The question tests the understanding of the difference between Personal and Enterprise modes.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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