easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: Set up a network for a new branch office that…
A technician is asked to set up a network for a new branch office that will connect back to the main headquarters using a leased line. The branch has 50 employees who need access to centralized databases and email. Which network type best describes the branch office's internal network?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see 'leased line' and 'connect back to main headquarters' and immediately assume the entire setup is a WAN, failing to recognize that the question specifically asks about the branch office's internal network, which is a LAN.
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)
The branch office's internal network connects 50 employees within a single physical location, providing shared access to local resources like printers and servers. This fits the definition of a Local Area Network (LAN), which operates over a limited geographic area and uses high-speed technologies such as Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11). The leased line to headquarters is a separate WAN connection, but the internal network itself remains a LAN.
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 Wide Area Network (WAN) is designed to connect geographically dispersed networks, often spanning across cities, states, or even countries, utilizing public or private telecommunication lines. It primarily facilitates communication between distinct local area networks (LANs) rather than establishing the primary internal network for a single organizational site. Therefore, a WAN is not suitable for setting up the initial network within a single office building.
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Metropolitan area network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) spans a larger geographical area than a LAN, typically encompassing an entire city or a large campus. It connects multiple LANs within that urban area, often providing high-speed connectivity for government agencies, universities, or large corporations across several buildings. A MAN's extensive scope is far too broad for merely setting up the internal network of a single office.
- ✓
Local area network (LAN)
Why this is correct
A Local Area Network (LAN) is specifically designed to connect devices, such as computers, printers, and servers, within a confined geographical area like a single office building, home, or campus. It provides high-speed data transfer and resource sharing among connected devices, making it the ideal choice for establishing the internal network infrastructure for a 50-employee office. This setup allows for efficient local communication and access to shared resources.
- ✗
Personal area network (PAN)
Why it's wrong here
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a small network used for connecting personal devices within a very limited range, typically a few meters, often utilizing technologies like Bluetooth or USB. It is designed for individual use, such as connecting a smartphone to a headset or a computer to a wireless mouse. A PAN is entirely inadequate for supporting the comprehensive networking needs of a 50-employee office, which requires broader connectivity and resource sharing.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Configuration: IP, DNS, DHCP
Key term
LAN
Local Area Network — a network confined to a single physical location such as an office, building, or campus.
Key term
Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) connects computers and devices within a small physical area, such as a home, office, or school, allowing them to share resources like files, printers, and internet access.
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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.