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220-1201 Practice Question: A small business is moving to a new office and…
A small business is moving to a new office and wants to connect all their computers, printers, and a server. They have a limited budget and need a simple, wired network that does not require internet access initially. Which network type should they implement?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse LAN and WAN by associating 'network' with internet access, overlooking that a LAN is sufficient for local connectivity without internet.
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
✓
Local Area Network (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) is the correct choice because it connects devices within a single physical location, such as an office, using wired Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and switches. It requires no internet access and is cost-effective for a small business with a limited budget, as it only needs basic hardware like a switch and Cat5e/Cat6 cabling.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why it's wrong here
A WAN spans geographically separated sites, typically leasing carrier links or MPLS circuits, so it cannot interconnect devices within one office building. It is tempting because WANs do connect distant networks, and would be correct if the business needed to link this new office to another location.
- ✓
Local Area Network (LAN)
Why this is correct
A Local Area Network interconnects computers, printers and a server within a single office using wired Ethernet, requiring no internet connectivity. It is inexpensive and simple, matching the budget and isolation constraints, unlike WAN, MAN or WLAN alternatives.
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Personal Area Network (PAN)
Why it's wrong here
A PAN is too small to connect all office devices, typically covering only a few meters.
- ✗
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A MAN spans a city or campus across multiple sites using carrier links, exceeding a single office's needs and budget. It would be correct when connecting several buildings across a metropolitan area, not one room-sized wired LAN.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Home and SOHO Network Setup
Key term
Switch
A switch is a networking device that connects devices on a local area network and uses MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended recipient.
Key term
Unshielded Twisted Pair
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) is a type of copper cabling used in Ethernet networks, where pairs of wires are twisted together to reduce electrical interference, without additional metallic shielding.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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