The answer is Local Area Network (LAN) because the coffee shop’s guest network is a separate LAN from the home network, and the laptop is failing to connect to that different local network. In networking, a LAN covers a small geographic area like a home or coffee shop, while a WAN (like the internet) connects multiple LANs together. The core issue here is that the laptop is trying to join a new LAN that may require different authentication or gateway settings, not that the internet (WAN) is down. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish network types by scenario—a common trap is confusing a WAN problem with a LAN problem when the device can still reach the internet elsewhere. Remember: if the device works on one local network but not another, the problem is almost always LAN-related, not WAN. Memory tip: “Local trouble, Local network—if it works elsewhere, check the LAN.”
220-1101 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. 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 customer reports that their laptop can connect to the internet at home via Wi-Fi, but at a coffee shop it cannot connect to the guest network. They have not changed any settings. Which network type is most likely causing 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Local Area Network (LAN)
A PAN is a short-range network for personal devices like Bluetooth, and a LAN is a local network. A WAN is the internet itself. The issue is that the coffee shop's network may require a different authentication method, but the question is about network types: the laptop is trying to connect to a different LAN (the coffee shop's) than its home LAN. The correct answer is LAN because the coffee shop's guest network is a separate local area network.
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.
✗
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Why it's wrong here
A PAN is used for short-range connections like Bluetooth, not for Wi-Fi internet access.
✓
Local Area Network (LAN)
Why this is correct
The coffee shop's guest Wi-Fi is a LAN that the laptop is trying to join; the issue is likely with that LAN's configuration, not the internet (WAN).
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
The WAN is the internet itself; the laptop can access the internet at home, so the WAN is not the problem.
✗
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A MAN covers a city area and is not typically used for a single coffee shop's guest network.
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 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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. 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.
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.
Network Types — This question tests Network Types — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Local Area Network (LAN) — A PAN is a short-range network for personal devices like Bluetooth, and a LAN is a local network. A WAN is the internet itself. The issue is that the coffee shop's network may require a different authentication method, but the question is about network types: the laptop is trying to connect to a different LAN (the coffee shop's) than its home LAN. The correct answer is LAN because the coffee shop's guest network is a separate local area network.
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: "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?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.