mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
802.11ac 5 GHz Only: Why Some Devices Can't Connect
After deploying a new 802.11ac access point, users report that some devices can connect but others cannot, even though they are in the same room. All devices support 5 GHz. What is the most likely cause?
Quick Answer
The answer is that the access point has its 2.4 GHz radios disabled. This is the most likely cause because 802.11ac operates exclusively on the 5 GHz band, so if the access point is configured for 5 GHz only, any device that lacks 5 GHz support—even if it supports Wi-Fi in general—will be unable to connect. The scenario tests your understanding of wireless standards and band compatibility, a common topic on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam. A frequent trap here is assuming that all modern devices support 5 GHz, but many older or budget devices are 2.4 GHz only, even if they claim "5 GHz capable" in a limited sense. Remember: 802.11ac is 5 GHz only, so if you see an 802.11ac access point and some devices can’t connect, always check whether the 2.4 GHz radio is enabled. A helpful memory tip is “AC is 5 GHz only—if it’s missing 2.4, you’re locking out the legacy.”
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
✓
The access point is overloaded with clients.
The scenario describes that some devices can connect while others cannot, even though all devices support 5 GHz. This points to a resource limitation on the access point rather than a radio band issue. If the access point is overloaded with clients, it may reach its maximum association limit, rejecting new connections while existing ones remain active. This explains why some devices are connected and others are not. Option B is incorrect because disabling 2.4 GHz radios would not affect devices that support 5 GHz. Option A is not a problem, as non-overlapping channels are beneficial. Option C would affect all devices uniformly.
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 access point is using a non-overlapping channel.
Why it's wrong here
Using a non-overlapping channel is beneficial and would not cause connectivity issues for some devices. This is not the likely cause.
- ✗
The access point has 2.4 GHz radios disabled.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the 2.4 GHz radios would not prevent any device from connecting, since all devices support 5 GHz. Thus, it is not the cause.
- ✗
The devices have incorrect SSID credentials.
Why it's wrong here
If the SSID credentials were incorrect, all devices would fail to connect. The symptom of partial connectivity rules this out.
- ✓
The access point is overloaded with clients.
Why this is correct
An overloaded access point can reach its maximum client limit, allowing only some devices to connect while rejecting others. This matches the reported symptom and is the most likely cause.
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Key term
CAN
A CAN (Controller Area Network) is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer.
Key term
Access Point
An access point is a device that creates a wireless local area network, usually by connecting to a wired network and broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal for computers, phones, and tablets to join.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 220-1201
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. During a network upgrade, a technician installs a new 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) access point in a conference room. Users now report intermittent disconnections on their older laptops. What is the most likely cause?
medium- A.The access point is overheating.
- ✓ B.The channel width is set too wide for older clients.
- C.The DNS server is misconfigured.
- D.The power over Ethernet (PoE) injector is faulty.
Why B: Wi-Fi 6 access points can operate in mixed mode, but older clients may struggle with channel width or band-steering settings. The most common issue is that the AP is using a channel width (e.g., 160 MHz) that older devices do not support, causing instability.
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.