The most likely cause is that the DHCP server is not responding to the laptop’s request. When a device configured for automatic IP addressing cannot reach a DHCP server, Windows automatically assigns an APIPA address in the 169.254.x.x range with a 255.255.0.0 subnet mask, as seen in the ipconfig output. This self-assigned address allows local link-only communication but no internet access, which explains why other devices on the same network—presumably with valid DHCP leases—work fine. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the DHCP failure symptom versus a static IP misconfiguration or a faulty NIC; a common trap is confusing APIPA with a duplicate IP conflict. Remember the memory tip: “169.254 means DHCP is no more”—if you see that address, the client never got a lease from the server.
220-1101 IP Addressing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ip addressing. 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 cannot connect to the internet, but other devices on the same network work fine. The technician runs ipconfig and sees an IP address of 169.254.12.34 with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
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.
The laptop has a static IP address configured incorrectly.
Why wrong: Incorrect. A static IP would not typically be in the APIPA range unless manually set, which is unlikely.
B
The DHCP server is not responding to the laptop's request.
Correct. APIPA addresses are assigned when DHCP fails, so the DHCP server is likely unreachable or not responding.
C
The subnet mask is wrong; it should be 255.255.255.0.
Why wrong: Incorrect. While the subnet mask differs from a typical home network, the APIPA address itself indicates a DHCP failure, not a mask mismatch.
D
The laptop's network adapter is faulty.
Why wrong: Incorrect. A faulty adapter would likely show no IP address or a disconnected status, not an APIPA address.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DHCP server is not responding to the laptop's request.
An IP address in the 169.254.0.0/16 range is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned when a DHCP server is unreachable. This indicates the laptop failed to obtain a valid IP from the router's DHCP server.
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 laptop has a static IP address configured incorrectly.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A static IP would not typically be in the APIPA range unless manually set, which is unlikely.
✓
The DHCP server is not responding to the laptop's request.
Why this is correct
Correct. APIPA addresses are assigned when DHCP fails, so the DHCP server is likely unreachable or not responding.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The subnet mask is wrong; it should be 255.255.255.0.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While the subnet mask differs from a typical home network, the APIPA address itself indicates a DHCP failure, not a mask mismatch.
✗
The laptop's network adapter is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A faulty adapter would likely show no IP address or a disconnected status, not an APIPA address.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. A faulty adapter would likely show no IP address or a disconnected status, not an APIPA address.
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.
IP Addressing — This question tests IP Addressing — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DHCP server is not responding to the laptop's request. — An IP address in the 169.254.0.0/16 range is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned when a DHCP server is unreachable. This indicates the laptop failed to obtain a valid IP from the router's DHCP server.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user reports that their laptop can connect to the internet when using a wired connection at home, but cannot connect to any network resources when using Wi-Fi at the office. The office uses DHCP with a scope of 192.168.10.0/24. The laptop's IP configuration shows an address of 169.254.15.22. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
easy
A.The laptop's Wi-Fi adapter is disabled in Device Manager.
B.The office DHCP server is out of available IP addresses.
✓ C.The laptop cannot reach the DHCP server on the office network.
D.The laptop's DNS settings are misconfigured.
Why C: The address 169.254.x.x is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned when a DHCP server is unreachable. This indicates the laptop failed to obtain a valid IP from the office DHCP server, likely due to a connectivity or server issue.
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Question Discussion
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