- A
Change the user's port to trunk mode
Why wrong: Trunk mode is for carrying multiple VLANs between switches, not for connecting a single end device; it would not solve the routing issue.
- B
Configure a static route on the user's computer
Why wrong: Static routes on a client are rarely used and would not enable inter-VLAN routing; that requires network infrastructure configuration.
- C
Enable inter-VLAN routing on the router or Layer 3 switch
Inter-VLAN routing allows traffic to pass between different VLANs; without it, devices in separate VLANs cannot communicate.
- D
Assign the user's port to VLAN 20
Why wrong: Moving the user to VLAN 20 would put them in the same VLAN as the server, but this is not a scalable solution and does not fix the underlying routing issue.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable inter-VLAN routing on the router or Layer 3 switch. This is necessary because VLANs create separate broadcast domains, meaning devices in VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 cannot communicate directly at Layer 2; they require a Layer 3 device to forward traffic between them. Since the user’s access port is already correctly assigned to VLAN 10, the issue is not with port configuration but with the lack of a routing path between the VLANs. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of how inter-VLAN routing configuration enables cross-VLAN access, often appearing as a scenario where a single user is isolated while others in the same VLAN work fine—a common trap is to mistakenly change the access port or add a trunk. Remember the key principle: same VLAN, no router needed; different VLANs, a router or Layer 3 switch is mandatory. A helpful memory tip is “VLANs are walls; routing is the door.”
220-1101 Network Configuration Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network configuration concepts. 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 company has a network with multiple VLANs. A user in VLAN 10 cannot access a server in VLAN 20, but other users in VLAN 10 can access the server. The technician checks the switch configuration and finds that the port for the user is set to access mode for VLAN 10. What should be configured to allow this user to reach the server?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable inter-VLAN routing on the router or Layer 3 switch
This question tests understanding of VLAN routing. Devices in different VLANs require a router or Layer 3 switch to communicate. The access port is correctly configured for VLAN 10, but inter-VLAN routing must be enabled on the router or switch.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Change the user's port to trunk mode
Why it's wrong here
Trunk mode is for carrying multiple VLANs between switches, not for connecting a single end device; it would not solve the routing issue.
- ✗
Configure a static route on the user's computer
Why it's wrong here
Static routes on a client are rarely used and would not enable inter-VLAN routing; that requires network infrastructure configuration.
- ✓
Enable inter-VLAN routing on the router or Layer 3 switch
- ✗
Assign the user's port to VLAN 20
Why it's wrong here
Moving the user to VLAN 20 would put them in the same VLAN as the server, but this is not a scalable solution and does not fix the underlying routing issue.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Configuration Concepts — This question tests Network Configuration Concepts — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable inter-VLAN routing on the router or Layer 3 switch — This question tests understanding of VLAN routing. Devices in different VLANs require a router or Layer 3 switch to communicate. The access port is correctly configured for VLAN 10, but inter-VLAN routing must be enabled on the router or switch.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 exam.
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