The answer is a Personal Area Network (PAN). This is correct because the smart bulb communicates only within a short range of about 10 meters and does not rely on a home Wi-Fi router, which are the defining characteristics of a PAN. PANs use technologies like Bluetooth or Zigbee to connect personal devices directly, creating a small, ad-hoc network for IoT gadgets without needing central infrastructure. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish PAN from WLAN, WAN, or MAN based on range and infrastructure requirements. A common trap is assuming any wireless connection must be Wi-Fi, but the key clue is the 10-meter limit and lack of router dependency. Remember the memory tip: “PAN is for your personal space—think phone to smart bulb within arm’s reach, not the whole house.”
220-1101 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 client reports that their new IoT smart bulb can be controlled from a smartphone app only when the phone is within 10 meters of the bulb. The bulb does not connect to the home Wi-Fi. Which network type is the smart bulb using?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Personal area network (PAN)
This describes a PAN (Personal Area Network), typically using Bluetooth or Zigbee, which has a short range (around 10 meters). PANs are designed for personal device connectivity without a central network infrastructure. The lack of Wi-Fi connectivity confirms it is not a WLAN.
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.
✗
Wireless local area network (WLAN)
Why it's wrong here
A WLAN uses Wi-Fi and would allow control from anywhere within the home network, not just 10 meters.
✗
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A MAN covers a city, far too large for a smart bulb.
✓
Personal area network (PAN)
Why this is correct
A PAN uses short-range wireless like Bluetooth, matching the 10-meter range and lack of Wi-Fi.
A WAN covers large geographic areas, not a personal device's range.
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 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: Personal area network (PAN) — This describes a PAN (Personal Area Network), typically using Bluetooth or Zigbee, which has a short range (around 10 meters). PANs are designed for personal device connectivity without a central network infrastructure. The lack of Wi-Fi connectivity confirms it is not a WLAN.
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
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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 small business owner wants to set up a network that covers three separate buildings within a 200-meter radius, with no internet access required between them. They need a simple, low-cost solution that can be installed quickly without running cables between buildings. Which network type should be recommended?
easy
A.Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
✓ B.Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
C.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
D.Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why B: A Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) is designed for short-range, ad-hoc connections between devices within a limited area, such as between buildings within 200 meters using technologies like Bluetooth or Zigbee. It meets the requirement of low cost and no cabling. A WLAN would require wireless access points and infrastructure, a MAN covers a larger area like a city, and a WAN is for wide-area connectivity typically requiring internet.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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