The answer is to change the channel to 1 or 11. This is correct because in the 2.4 GHz band, channels 1, 6, and 11 are the only three non-overlapping channels, meaning their frequency ranges do not interfere with one another. When channel 6 is already congested, switching to either channel 1 or 11 avoids the overlapping interference that would occur on adjacent channels like 2, 3, 4, or 5. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of wireless spectrum management and site survey best practices—a common trap is assuming any channel works equally well, when in reality using non-overlapping channels is critical for minimizing co-channel interference. A simple memory tip: remember the “1-6-11 rule” as the only safe trio in the 2.4 GHz band, like three separate lanes on a highway that never cross.
220-1101 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
During a site survey, a technician finds that a new access point on the 2.4 GHz band is experiencing heavy interference. The access point automatically selected channel 6. Which action should the technician take to minimize interference?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Change the channel to 1 or 11.
In the 2.4 GHz band, channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping. If channel 6 is congested, switching to 1 or 11 can reduce interference from neighboring networks.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Enable WPA3 encryption to reduce interference.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption affects security, not interference; interference is a physical layer issue.
✓
Change the channel to 1 or 11.
Why this is correct
Channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping; switching to a less congested one reduces co-channel interference.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
40 MHz width increases the chance of overlapping with adjacent channels, worsening interference.
✗
Disable the 2.4 GHz radio and use only 5 GHz.
Why it's wrong here
This would solve interference but may not be practical if clients only support 2.4 GHz.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the channel to 1 or 11. — In the 2.4 GHz band, channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping. If channel 6 is congested, switching to 1 or 11 can reduce interference from neighboring networks.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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