The answer is a bridged (external) virtual switch. This configuration is correct because it connects each virtual machine directly to the physical network through the host’s single NIC, assigning each VM its own unique MAC and IP address on the same subnet as the host. This allows the VMs to communicate with each other and with physical devices as if they were separate physical machines, fulfilling the requirement for a test environment with full network visibility. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of virtual networking modes—specifically the difference between bridged, NAT, and internal switches. A common trap is choosing NAT, which shares the host’s IP and hides VMs behind it, or an internal switch, which isolates VMs from the physical network. Remember the memory tip: “Bridged means each VM gets its own bridge to the real network,” so think of a physical bridge connecting separate islands.
220-1101 Virtualization Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization concepts. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 virtualized test environment where each virtual machine must have a unique MAC address and IP address, and the VMs must be able to communicate with each other and the physical network. The host has only one physical NIC. Which virtual switch configuration should the technician use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Bridged (external) virtual switch
A bridged (or external) virtual switch connects VMs to the physical network through the host's NIC, giving each VM its own MAC and IP address on the same subnet. This allows full communication with other VMs and physical devices.
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.
✗
Internal virtual switch
Why it's wrong here
An internal switch only allows communication between VMs and the host, not with the physical network.
✗
Private virtual switch
Why it's wrong here
A private switch isolates VMs from the host and physical network, allowing only VM-to-VM communication.
✓
Bridged (external) virtual switch
Why this is correct
A bridged switch connects VMs to the physical network, enabling unique MAC/IP addresses and full network access.
NAT allows VMs to share the host's IP address for outbound traffic but does not provide unique public IPs for inbound communication.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
Virtualization Concepts — This question tests Virtualization Concepts — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Bridged (external) virtual switch — A bridged (or external) virtual switch connects VMs to the physical network through the host's NIC, giving each VM its own MAC and IP address on the same subnet. This allows full communication with other VMs and physical devices.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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