The answer is DHCP, as the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is the most likely misconfiguration causing a laptop to connect to Wi-Fi but have no internet access. When a device joins a network, DHCP is responsible for automatically assigning a valid IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server; without these, the laptop can associate with the access point but cannot route traffic to the internet. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how network connectivity depends on proper IP configuration, often appearing as a troubleshooting question where the smartphone works (proving the router and ISP are fine) while the laptop fails. A common trap is to blame the Wi-Fi adapter or SSID, but the key clue is that the laptop shows a connected status yet has no data flow—pointing directly to a missing or misconfigured DHCP client. Memory tip: think “DHCP gives the keys to the car—no IP, no drive.”
220-1101 Network Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network 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 customer reports that their new laptop cannot connect to the internet at a coffee shop, but their smartphone works fine. The technician checks the laptop's network settings and sees the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled and connected to the correct SSID. Which protocol is most likely not configured correctly on the laptop?
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.
Why wrong: DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses, but without a valid IP address from DHCP, DNS is irrelevant.
B
DHCP
DHCP automatically assigns IP configuration; if the laptop's DHCP client is disabled or misconfigured, it won't get a usable IP address, causing no internet.
C
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is an application protocol for web browsing; it depends on lower-layer connectivity and IP configuration.
D
ARP
Why wrong: ARP resolves MAC addresses to IP addresses on the local network, but it does not provide IP configuration.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DHCP
This scenario tests knowledge of the DHCP protocol, which automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, gateways, and DNS servers. Without a properly configured DHCP client, the laptop may connect to the Wi-Fi but fail to obtain a valid IP address, preventing internet access.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses, but without a valid IP address from DHCP, DNS is irrelevant.
✓
DHCP
Why this is correct
DHCP automatically assigns IP configuration; if the laptop's DHCP client is disabled or misconfigured, it won't get a usable IP address, causing no internet.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
HTTP is an application protocol for web browsing; it depends on lower-layer connectivity and IP configuration.
✗
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves MAC addresses to IP addresses on the local network, but it does not provide IP configuration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DHCP — This scenario tests knowledge of the DHCP protocol, which automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, gateways, and DNS servers. Without a properly configured DHCP client, the laptop may connect to the Wi-Fi but fail to obtain a valid IP address, preventing internet access.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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. During a network upgrade, a technician needs to ensure that all devices on a small office LAN receive IP addresses automatically from a central server. Which protocol must be running on that server?
easy
A.DNS
B.HTTP
✓ C.DHCP
D.FTP
Why C: This question tests the fundamental role of DHCP in automatic IP address assignment. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is the standard protocol for dynamically assigning IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other network parameters to clients.
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