The answer is that the default gateway does not have a route to the 192.168.2.0 subnet. This is correct because a successful ping to the gateway proves the laptop’s local network and default gateway are functioning, but the failure to reach a server on a different subnet indicates the gateway lacks a routing table entry for that remote network. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that a default gateway only forwards traffic to directly connected networks unless static or dynamic routes are configured; a common trap is assuming a working gateway guarantees access to all subnets. Remember, the gateway is just the door out of your subnet—it needs a map (a route) to know where to send packets beyond its own street. A helpful memory tip: “Ping the gateway, but not the server? Check the router’s map, not the laptop’s address.”
220-1101 Network Configuration Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network configuration concepts. 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 can connect to the corporate Wi-Fi but cannot access any network resources. The technician checks the IP configuration and sees an IP address of 192.168.1.105 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a default gateway of 192.168.1.1. The technician pings the gateway successfully but cannot ping a server at 192.168.2.10. What is the most likely 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: DNS would affect name resolution, but the technician is pinging by IP address, so DNS is not the issue.
B
The server at 192.168.2.10 is offline.
Why wrong: If the server were offline, the ping would fail, but the more likely cause is a routing issue since the laptop can reach its own gateway.
C
The default gateway does not have a route to the 192.168.2.0 subnet.
The laptop can reach its own gateway, but the gateway must have a route to forward traffic to the 192.168.2.x network. Without that route, packets are dropped.
D
The laptop's subnet mask is incorrect.
Why wrong: The subnet mask 255.255.255.0 is correct for a /24 network, and the laptop can ping its gateway, so the mask is likely fine.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The default gateway does not have a route to the 192.168.2.0 subnet.
The laptop can ping its own gateway (192.168.1.1) but not a server on a different subnet (192.168.2.10). This indicates that the gateway is reachable, but routing between subnets is failing. The default gateway may not have a route to the 192.168.2.x network, or the server's gateway is not configured to route back.
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's DNS server is misconfigured.
Why it's wrong here
DNS would affect name resolution, but the technician is pinging by IP address, so DNS is not the issue.
✗
The server at 192.168.2.10 is offline.
Why it's wrong here
If the server were offline, the ping would fail, but the more likely cause is a routing issue since the laptop can reach its own gateway.
✓
The default gateway does not have a route to the 192.168.2.0 subnet.
Why this is correct
The laptop can reach its own gateway, but the gateway must have a route to forward traffic to the 192.168.2.x network. Without that route, packets are dropped.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The subnet mask 255.255.255.0 is correct for a /24 network, and the laptop can ping its gateway, so the mask is likely fine.
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.
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.
Network Configuration Concepts — This question tests Network Configuration Concepts — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The default gateway does not have a route to the 192.168.2.0 subnet. — The laptop can ping its own gateway (192.168.1.1) but not a server on a different subnet (192.168.2.10). This indicates that the gateway is reachable, but routing between subnets is failing. The default gateway may not have a route to the 192.168.2.x network, or the server's gateway is not configured to route back.
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.
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