The answer is that the printer’s print queue is paused or the printer is offline. This is correct because a successful ping confirms the printer is reachable at the network layer, meaning the issue lies above Layer 3 in the OSI model—specifically with the printer’s software state or the print spooler on the computer. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between network connectivity problems and printer configuration issues; a common trap is to assume a failed print job means a network fault, but a ping reply rules that out. When you can ping a printer but cannot print, always check the printer’s front panel for an offline or paused status first, then verify the print spooler service on the client. Memory tip: “Ping says yes, print says no? Check the queue, not the network flow.”
220-1101 Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user reports that their computer can access the internet but cannot connect to a network printer that is on the same subnet. The technician pings the printer’s IP address from the computer and gets a reply. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The printer’s print queue is paused or the printer is offline.
Since the ping succeeds, the printer is reachable at the network level. The issue is likely with the printer configuration or the print spooler on the computer. Common causes include the printer being offline, paused, or having a driver issue.
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.
✗
The printer’s IP address has changed.
Why it's wrong here
If the IP changed, the ping would fail because the technician pinged the old IP; the ping succeeded, so the IP is correct.
✗
The printer is not set as the default printer.
Why it's wrong here
Not being default would not prevent connection; the user can still select and print to it manually.
✓
The printer’s print queue is paused or the printer is offline.
Why this is correct
A printer that is reachable via ping but not printing is often in an offline state or has a paused queue, which stops print jobs from being processed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The network switch port for the printer is disabled.
Why it's wrong here
If the switch port were disabled, the ping would fail because the printer would be unreachable.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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.
Network Troubleshooting — This question tests Network Troubleshooting — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The printer’s print queue is paused or the printer is offline. — Since the ping succeeds, the printer is reachable at the network level. The issue is likely with the printer configuration or the print spooler on the computer. Common causes include the printer being offline, paused, or having a driver issue.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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