The correct answer is that the DHCP server is unavailable or the computer cannot reach it. An APIPA address meaning, specifically the 169.254.x.x range, indicates that the computer’s operating system has automatically assigned itself a link-local address because it failed to receive a valid IP from a DHCP server. This is a core troubleshooting concept on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a user is connected to a local switch but cannot access the internet. A common trap is assuming the network cable is faulty, but the real issue is the absence of DHCP—the computer can only communicate with other devices on the same subnet. To remember this, think of the mnemonic “169 is no DHCP,” or simply recall that a 169.254 address means the computer is “stuck on local” and cannot reach the DHCP server.
220-1101 Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network troubleshooting. 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 computer is connected to the network but cannot access any websites. The technician checks the IP configuration and sees an IP address of 169.254.1.5. What does this indicate?
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 unavailable or the computer cannot reach it.
An IP address in the 169.254.x.x range is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned when a DHCP server is unreachable. This means the computer failed to get a valid IP from DHCP, so it cannot communicate beyond the local link.
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 computer has a valid static IP address.
Why it's wrong here
A static IP would not be in the APIPA range unless manually set, which is unlikely; 169.254.x.x is reserved for APIPA.
✗
The DNS server is not responding.
Why it's wrong here
DNS failure would show a valid IP but no name resolution; the 169.254 address indicates a DHCP failure, not DNS.
✓
The DHCP server is unavailable or the computer cannot reach it.
Why this is correct
APIPA is assigned when DHCP fails, so the computer cannot get a routable IP, preventing internet access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The network cable is unplugged.
Why it's wrong here
If the cable were unplugged, the computer would have no IP at all or a disconnected status, not an APIPA address.
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
DNS failure would show a valid IP but no name resolution; the 169.254 address indicates a DHCP failure, not DNS.
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.
Network Troubleshooting — This question tests Network Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DHCP server is unavailable or the computer cannot reach it. — An IP address in the 169.254.x.x range is an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) address, assigned when a DHCP server is unreachable. This means the computer failed to get a valid IP from DHCP, so it cannot communicate beyond the local link.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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