mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A user’s laptop is connected to a Wi-Fi network…
A user’s laptop is connected to a Wi-Fi network with a strong signal, but the user cannot access any network resources. The IP configuration shows an address of 192.168.1.50 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a default gateway of 192.168.1.1. The technician pings the gateway successfully. What should the technician check next?
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
✓
Check the DNS server settings on the laptop.
Since the gateway is reachable, the issue is likely beyond the local network. DNS is the most common cause of being unable to access resources by name when basic connectivity exists. Checking DNS resolution is the logical next step.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the Wi-Fi adapter.
Why it's wrong here
The laptop's ability to connect to the Wi-Fi network, obtain an IP address, and successfully ping the gateway confirms that the Wi-Fi adapter is functioning correctly at both the data link and network layers. Replacing hardware is a drastic measure and premature when basic network connectivity is established, indicating the issue lies further up the OSI model or with specific service configurations rather than the adapter itself.
- ✓
Check the DNS server settings on the laptop.
Why this is correct
The successful ping to the gateway confirms Layer 3 network connectivity to the local router or access point. However, if web browsing or accessing resources by name fails, it strongly suggests a name resolution problem. Incorrect or misconfigured Domain Name System (DNS) server settings would prevent the laptop from translating human-readable domain names into the numerical IP addresses required for internet communication, thus blocking access despite local network functionality.
- ✗
Verify the SSID is correct.
Why it's wrong here
The problem statement indicates the laptop is already 'connected to a Wi-Fi network,' which inherently means it has successfully associated and authenticated with the access point using the correct Service Set Identifier (SSID). If the SSID were incorrect, the laptop would be unable to establish a connection to the network in the first place, precluding it from obtaining an IP address or pinging the gateway.
- ✗
Disable the firewall temporarily.
Why it's wrong here
While a firewall can restrict internet access, the successful ping to the gateway demonstrates that basic outbound network traffic is permitted through the firewall. A firewall blocking all internet connectivity would typically also prevent such fundamental network communication. Given that local connectivity is confirmed, checking DNS settings is a more targeted and probable solution for browsing issues than broadly disabling a potentially critical security component.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Laptop Hardware and Components
Key term
Subnet
A subnet is a logical subdivision of an IP network, created by partitioning a larger network address space using subnet masks.
Key term
Name Server
A name server is a specialized server that translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses so that computers can find each other on a network.
About these practice questions
One of 972 original 220-1201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.