The answer is that the laptop’s DHCP client is disabled or malfunctioning. When a Windows device cannot reach a DHCP server, it self-assigns an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address in the 169.254.x.x range, which provides local link-only connectivity but no default gateway or DNS, blocking internet access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between network-layer issues and DHCP failures—a common trap is assuming the router or DHCP server is down when other devices on the same SSID work fine, which points instead to a client-side problem like a disabled DHCP client service, a misconfigured firewall, or a corrupted network stack. Remember the memory tip: “169.254 means DHCP is seen, but not heard”—the laptop sees the Wi-Fi signal but never got a proper IP lease, so always check the client’s DHCP service first.
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’s laptop connects to the corporate Wi-Fi but cannot access the internet. Other devices on the same SSID work fine. The technician checks the laptop’s IP configuration and sees an IPv4 address of 169.254.12.34. 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.
Why wrong: Even on the wrong SSID, the laptop would get an IP from that network's DHCP, not an APIPA address.
B
The DHCP server is out of addresses
Why wrong: If the DHCP pool were exhausted, other devices would also fail to get an IP, but they are working.
C
The laptop’s wireless adapter is faulty
Why wrong: A faulty adapter would likely not connect at all, or would show limited connectivity, but the APIPA address indicates the adapter is working but cannot get a DHCP lease.
D
The laptop’s DHCP client is disabled or malfunctioning
A disabled or broken DHCP client prevents the laptop from requesting an IP, causing it to self-assign 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 laptop’s DHCP client is disabled or malfunctioning
A 169.254.x.x address is an APIPA address, assigned when a DHCP server is unreachable. This indicates the laptop failed to get an IP from the DHCP server. The wireless connection itself is established, but the laptop cannot obtain proper network configuration. Other devices working suggests the DHCP server is functional, so the issue is likely with this specific laptop’s DHCP client or firewall.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 is connected to the wrong SSID
Why it's wrong here
Even on the wrong SSID, the laptop would get an IP from that network's DHCP, not an APIPA address.
✗
The DHCP server is out of addresses
Why it's wrong here
If the DHCP pool were exhausted, other devices would also fail to get an IP, but they are working.
✗
The laptop’s wireless adapter is faulty
Why it's wrong here
A faulty adapter would likely not connect at all, or would show limited connectivity, but the APIPA address indicates the adapter is working but cannot get a DHCP lease.
✓
The laptop’s DHCP client is disabled or malfunctioning
Why this is correct
A disabled or broken DHCP client prevents the laptop from requesting an IP, causing it to self-assign an APIPA address.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A faulty adapter would likely not connect at all, or would show limited connectivity, but the APIPA address indicates the adapter is working but cannot get a DHCP lease.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The laptop’s DHCP client is disabled or malfunctioning — A 169.254.x.x address is an APIPA address, assigned when a DHCP server is unreachable. This indicates the laptop failed to get an IP from the DHCP server. The wireless connection itself is established, but the laptop cannot obtain proper network configuration. Other devices working suggests the DHCP server is functional, so the issue is likely with this specific laptop’s DHCP client or firewall.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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's laptop connects to the office Wi-Fi but cannot access the internet. Other devices on the same network work fine. The laptop's IP address is 169.254.25.14. What is the most likely cause?
medium
A.The DNS server is unreachable.
B.The laptop's wireless adapter driver is corrupted.
✓ C.The DHCP server is not responding or the laptop cannot reach it.
D.The SSID is hidden and requires manual entry.
Why C: A 169.254.x.x address indicates the device failed to obtain an IP from a DHCP server. This is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, meaning the laptop cannot reach the DHCP server.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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