- A
Use a crossover cable to connect the router directly to the WAP.
Why wrong: This would connect the WAP, but the switch would still need a connection. The router's single port cannot serve both devices directly.
- B
Connect the router to the switch, then connect the WAP to the switch.
A switch expands the number of ports, allowing both the WAP and other devices to connect to the router through a single link.
- C
Use a hub between the router and the switch.
Why wrong: A hub would work but is inefficient and causes collisions. A switch is the better choice, and the question asks for a hardware component to connect both devices. Using a hub is not optimal.
- D
Configure the switch as a router to connect to the WAP.
Why wrong: A typical unmanaged switch cannot be configured as a router. This is not a valid option.
Quick Answer
The answer is to connect the router to the switch, then connect the wireless access point (WAP) to the switch. This works because a switch expands a single network port into multiple ports, allowing both devices to share the router’s single LAN connection. Modern switches use Auto-MDIX, so no special uplink port is needed—any port on the switch will work for the router or WAP. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of basic network topology and how to scale a small office network when a router has limited ports. A common trap is thinking you need a crossover cable or a separate hub, but a standard switch with Auto-MDIX handles everything. Memory tip: “Switch to stretch, then attach the WAP”—the switch is the central expansion point, not the router.
220-1101 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 technician is setting up a small office network with a router, a switch, and a wireless access point. The router has only one LAN port. The technician needs to connect the switch and the WAP to the router, but the switch has no uplink port. Which hardware component should the technician use to connect both devices to the router?
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
Connect the router to the switch, then connect the WAP to the switch.
This question tests knowledge of network topology and the use of additional switches. Since the router has only one LAN port, a switch is needed to expand the number of available ports. The correct answer is to connect the router to the switch, and then connect the WAP to the switch. The switch's ports are typically all the same, so no special uplink port is required (modern switches use Auto-MDIX).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a crossover cable to connect the router directly to the WAP.
Why it's wrong here
This would connect the WAP, but the switch would still need a connection. The router's single port cannot serve both devices directly.
- ✓
Connect the router to the switch, then connect the WAP to the switch.
Why this is correct
A switch expands the number of ports, allowing both the WAP and other devices to connect to the router through a single link.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a hub between the router and the switch.
Why it's wrong here
A hub would work but is inefficient and causes collisions. A switch is the better choice, and the question asks for a hardware component to connect both devices. Using a hub is not optimal.
- ✗
Configure the switch as a router to connect to the WAP.
Why it's wrong here
A typical unmanaged switch cannot be configured as a router. This is not a valid option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Common Networking Hardware — study guide chapter
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Common Networking Hardware practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Connect the router to the switch, then connect the WAP to the switch. — This question tests knowledge of network topology and the use of additional switches. Since the router has only one LAN port, a switch is needed to expand the number of available ports. The correct answer is to connect the router to the switch, and then connect the WAP to the switch. The switch's ports are typically all the same, so no special uplink port is required (modern switches use Auto-MDIX).
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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