hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their wireless Bluetooth…
A user complains that their wireless Bluetooth earbuds frequently disconnect during calls when their smartphone is in their pocket. The earbuds work fine when the phone is on a desk. Which accessory or configuration change is most likely to resolve this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that Bluetooth issues are always caused by RF interference or software problems, when in reality the most common cause of intermittent disconnections with portable devices is physical signal obstruction by the user's own body.
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
✓
A Bluetooth neckband style headset
The issue is that the smartphone's Bluetooth antenna is being physically blocked or attenuated by the user's body (specifically the leg/torso) when the phone is in a pocket. A Bluetooth neckband-style headset places the Bluetooth receiver and antenna around the user's neck, which is typically above the pocket and has a clearer line-of-sight to the phone, significantly reducing signal obstruction and multipath interference. This configuration change directly addresses the physical signal path problem without requiring any software or network changes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A Bluetooth signal booster app
Why it's wrong here
Bluetooth signal booster applications are ineffective because radio frequency (RF) power output is determined by the physical hardware of the Bluetooth module, not software. An app cannot increase the transmitter's wattage or improve antenna gain. Such software typically offers no tangible benefit and cannot overcome the fundamental limitations of the device's radio hardware or physical obstructions causing signal degradation.
- ✓
A Bluetooth neckband style headset
Why this is correct
A Bluetooth neckband style headset positions the primary Bluetooth receiver module on the user's neck or collarbone, rather than directly inside the ear. This placement provides a more direct and less obstructed line of sight to the source device, such as a phone in a pocket. By minimizing the amount of the user's body (which contains water and absorbs RF signals) between the transmitter and receiver, it significantly reduces signal attenuation and improves connection stability.
- ✗
A metal phone case
Why it's wrong here
A metal phone case can severely degrade Bluetooth signal quality and range. Metal is an excellent conductor and can act as a Faraday cage, shielding the phone's internal antennas, including the Bluetooth antenna. This physical barrier obstructs the radio waves, significantly weakening the signal transmitted from the phone to the earbuds, thereby worsening rather than improving connection stability and increasing the likelihood of frequent disconnections.
- ✗
A Wi-Fi analyzer to change router channels
Why it's wrong here
While Bluetooth and Wi-Fi both operate in the 2.4 GHz band and can interfere, the described issue of frequent disconnections strongly suggests a problem with signal blockage, particularly from the user's body, which is common with true wireless earbuds. A Wi-Fi analyzer is used to identify and mitigate Wi-Fi channel congestion. Changing Wi-Fi router channels would not address the fundamental problem of physical obstruction impeding the Bluetooth signal path to the earbuds.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Configuration: IP, DNS, DHCP
Key term
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology used to connect devices like keyboards, mice, headphones, and smartphones without cables.
Key term
Smartphone
A smartphone is a handheld mobile device that combines cellular communication with computing capabilities, running an operating system that supports third-party applications, internet connectivity, and a touchscreen interface.
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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.