The answer is to place the switch in a lockable cabinet and enable MAC filtering. This combination works because the lockable cabinet provides a physical barrier against unauthorized tampering, preventing someone from accessing the switch’s console or reset button, while MAC address filtering acts as a logical security layer that restricts network access to only approved devices. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of layered security—specifically how physical controls and logical port security work together to protect network infrastructure. A common trap is choosing only one control, like just a cabinet or just filtering, but the exam emphasizes that both are needed for defense in depth. Remember the mnemonic “Lock and Block”—lock the hardware, block the unwanted connections.
220-1202 Physical Security Controls Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. 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 small business wants to secure its network switch located in a shared office area. The switch has no built-in lock. Which combination of physical controls provides the best protection against unauthorized tampering?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Place the switch in a lockable cabinet and enable MAC address filtering.
A lockable cabinet prevents physical access to the switch, and port security prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to the network. This question tests layered physical and logical security for network infrastructure.
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.
✓
Place the switch in a lockable cabinet and enable MAC address filtering.
Why this is correct
The cabinet prevents physical access, and MAC filtering restricts which devices can connect logically.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Use a cable lock to secure the switch to the desk.
Why it's wrong here
A cable lock secures the device from theft but does not prevent access to its ports.
✗
Install a privacy filter on the switch's LED display.
Why it's wrong here
Privacy filters are for monitors; they do not prevent physical tampering with the switch.
✗
Apply tamper-evident tape over the switch's vents.
Why it's wrong here
Tape can indicate tampering but does not physically prevent it or control network access.
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 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 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 220-1202 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Place the switch in a lockable cabinet and enable MAC address filtering. — A lockable cabinet prevents physical access to the switch, and port security prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to the network. This question tests layered physical and logical security for network infrastructure.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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 220-1202 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.