The answer is 192.168.0.1. This is correct because the default gateway setting on each computer must match the IP address of the router’s LAN interface, which serves as the exit point for traffic destined outside the local subnet. In a /24 network, any packet with a destination IP outside the 192.168.0.0–192.168.0.255 range is forwarded to this gateway, enabling internet access through the router’s WAN connection to the cable modem. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of basic TCP/IP configuration and subnetting—a common trap is confusing the gateway with the router’s WAN IP or the switch’s management address. Remember, the default gateway is always the LAN-side IP of the router that connects the local network to the outside world. A handy memory tip: “Gateway goes to the router’s LAN, not the WAN.”
220-1101 IP Addressing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ip addressing. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 technician is configuring a small office network with 15 computers and a single router. The router's WAN port is connected to a cable modem, and the LAN port is connected to a switch. All computers are connected to the switch. The technician assigns the router's LAN interface the IP 192.168.0.1/24. What should be the default gateway setting on each computer?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
192.168.0.1
The default gateway is the IP address of the router's LAN interface, which is 192.168.0.1. This allows computers to send traffic outside their local subnet, such as to the internet.
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 IP address of the cable modem.
Why it's wrong here
The cable modem is on the WAN side and is not reachable from the LAN without going through the router.
✓
192.168.0.1
Why this is correct
This is the router's LAN IP, which serves as the gateway for all computers on the local network to access other networks.
A switch typically does not have an IP address that functions as a gateway; it is a Layer 2 device.
✗
192.168.0.255
Why it's wrong here
This is the broadcast address for the 192.168.0.0/24 network and cannot be assigned to a device.
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.
IP Addressing — This question tests IP Addressing — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 192.168.0.1 — The default gateway is the IP address of the router's LAN interface, which is 192.168.0.1. This allows computers to send traffic outside their local subnet, such as to the internet.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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