The correct configuration is to set up a separate SSID with WPA-TKIP for legacy devices and another SSID with WPA2-AES for modern devices. This is necessary because WPA2-AES is not backward compatible with WPA-TKIP; the two encryption protocols use fundamentally different cipher algorithms—TKIP relies on the older RC4 stream cipher, while AES uses the far more secure CCMP block cipher—so a single network cannot support both simultaneously. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that security and compatibility often conflict, and the common trap is thinking you can mix modes on one SSID or that WPA2 can fall back to TKIP. The best practice is to isolate legacy devices on their own network to avoid weakening overall security. Memory tip: “Separate SSIDs for separate needs—TKIP for old, AES for bold.”
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 technician is configuring a wireless network for a new office. The network must support legacy devices that only support WPA-TKIP, but the technician also wants to maximize security for modern devices. Which configuration should the technician use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set up a separate SSID with WPA-TKIP for legacy devices and another SSID with WPA2-AES for modern devices.
WPA2-PSK with AES is the most secure option, but it is not backward compatible with WPA-TKIP devices. The technician must choose between compatibility and security; the best practice is to upgrade legacy devices or use a separate network for them.
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.
TKIP is insecure and should be avoided; it also does not provide the best security for modern devices.
✗
Configure the router for WPA2-PSK with AES and enable WPA-TKIP as a fallback.
Why it's wrong here
Most routers do not allow mixed mode with both simultaneously; they use a transitional security mode that is less secure.
✓
Set up a separate SSID with WPA-TKIP for legacy devices and another SSID with WPA2-AES for modern devices.
Why this is correct
This isolates legacy devices on a less secure network while allowing modern devices to use the stronger encryption.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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: Set up a separate SSID with WPA-TKIP for legacy devices and another SSID with WPA2-AES for modern devices. — WPA2-PSK with AES is the most secure option, but it is not backward compatible with WPA-TKIP devices. The technician must choose between compatibility and security; the best practice is to upgrade legacy devices or use a separate network for them.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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