The answer is that the laptop only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which is the most likely cause when a laptop cannot see a 5 GHz network. This happens because the laptop’s wireless adapter lacks a 5 GHz radio, so it simply cannot detect or connect to networks broadcasting exclusively on the 5 GHz band, even though it can see neighboring 2.4 GHz networks. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless standards and dual-band compatibility, often appearing as a common trap where you might suspect interference or a hidden SSID instead. Remember that older or budget laptops frequently ship with 2.4 GHz-only adapters, while modern routers broadcast both bands; if the SSID is 5 GHz-only, the adapter is blind to it. A helpful memory tip is “5 GHz is the fifth floor—if your radio can’t reach that high, you’ll never see the view.”
220-1101 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. 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 laptop can see several neighboring Wi-Fi networks but cannot see their own office's SSID, which is a 5 GHz-only network. Other users in the same office can connect without issue. 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 laptop only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
The laptop likely does not support 5 GHz, as older or budget laptops may only have 2.4 GHz radios. The SSID is hidden because the laptop's wireless adapter cannot detect 5 GHz networks.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 router's SSID broadcast is disabled.
Why it's wrong here
If broadcast were disabled, no user would see the SSID, but others can see it.
✗
The laptop's wireless adapter is set to airplane mode.
Why it's wrong here
Airplane mode would disable all wireless, and the user would not see any networks.
✓
The laptop only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Why this is correct
If the adapter lacks 5 GHz capability, it cannot detect a 5 GHz-only network, explaining why other users (with 5 GHz support) can connect.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
WPA3 is backward compatible and does not prevent network discovery; it only affects authentication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The laptop only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. — The laptop likely does not support 5 GHz, as older or budget laptops may only have 2.4 GHz radios. The SSID is hidden because the laptop's wireless adapter cannot detect 5 GHz networks.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route 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?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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