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220-1201 Practice Question: A small business owner wants to connect five…
A small business owner wants to connect five computers in a single office so they can share files and a printer without purchasing a server. Which network type should be configured?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a client-server network is always required for resource sharing, but the trap here is that peer-to-peer is sufficient and cost-effective for small groups without a dedicated 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
✓
Peer-to-peer network
A peer-to-peer network (B) is the correct choice because it allows five computers to share files and a printer directly without a dedicated server. Each computer acts as both a client and a server, making it ideal for small offices with fewer than 10 devices where centralized management is unnecessary.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Client-server network
Why it's wrong here
A client-server network topology centralizes resources such as files, printers, and user authentication on one or more dedicated servers. Implementing this model for only five computers introduces unnecessary overhead, including the acquisition and maintenance costs of server hardware and software, as well as the need for specialized administration. This complexity far outweighs the benefits for such a small-scale environment where simpler solutions suffice.
- ✓
Peer-to-peer network
Why this is correct
A peer-to-peer network configuration allows each connected computer to function as both a client and a server, directly sharing resources like files, folders, and printers with other devices on the network without requiring a dedicated central server. This model is ideal for small office environments, such as one with five computers, due to its simplicity, ease of setup, and cost-effectiveness, as it avoids the expense and complexity of server hardware and administration.
- ✗
Wide area network (WAN)
Why it's wrong here
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is designed to connect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) or individual devices over vast geographical distances, often spanning cities, states, or even countries. It utilizes public or private telecommunication lines and specialized routing equipment to facilitate communication between geographically dispersed locations. This architecture is entirely unsuitable for connecting five computers within a single, confined office space, as it addresses a completely different scale of connectivity.
- ✗
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) interconnects multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) within a specific geographical region, typically covering an area the size of a city or a large campus. It operates at a scale larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, often utilizing high-speed fiber optic connections to link various organizational branches or buildings. This networking solution is vastly over-engineered and inappropriate for simply connecting five computers located within the confines of a single small business office.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.