The answer is that the phone is using the wrong security protocol. WPA2-PSK relies on a single pre-shared key for all devices, while WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X authentication, requiring unique credentials like a username and password or a digital certificate. When a smartphone configured for WPA2-PSK attempts to connect to a WPA2-Enterprise network, it never sends the proper authentication handshake, so the access point rejects the connection. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless security modes and their authentication differences—a common trap is assuming all WPA2 networks are the same. Remember the memory tip: “PSK is a single key for everyone; Enterprise checks each person individually.”
220-1202 Wireless Security Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. 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 reports that their smartphone cannot connect to the office Wi-Fi, but other devices can. The network uses WPA2-Enterprise with PEAP-MSCHAPv2. The technician checks the phone's settings and sees that it is configured for WPA2-PSK. What is the most likely reason for the connection failure?
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 phone is using the wrong security protocol.
WPA2-Enterprise requires a username and password or certificate for authentication, not a pre-shared key. The phone's WPA2-PSK setting is incompatible with the network's authentication method.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 phone's Wi-Fi antenna is damaged.
Why it's wrong here
Other devices connect fine, so the antenna is not the issue.
✓
The phone is using the wrong security protocol.
Why this is correct
WPA2-PSK uses a shared key, while WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X authentication.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The router's SSID is hidden.
Why it's wrong here
Other devices connect, so the SSID is not hidden.
✗
The phone's MAC address is filtered.
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering would block all connections, but other devices connect.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The phone is using the wrong security protocol. — WPA2-Enterprise requires a username and password or certificate for authentication, not a pre-shared key. The phone's WPA2-PSK setting is incompatible with the network's authentication method.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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