The most likely reason your laptop cannot see the 5 GHz network is that its wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz frequencies. This is a hardware limitation: older or budget adapters may only support 2.4 GHz bands, typically found in 802.11b/g/n standards, while 5 GHz requires 802.11a, ac, ax, or newer. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of wireless compatibility and band support—a common trap is blaming router configuration or interference, but if the adapter lacks 5 GHz hardware, the network simply won’t appear in the scan list. Remember the memory tip: “If it’s not in the chip, it won’t be in the list”—check the adapter’s supported standards before troubleshooting channels or SSIDs.
220-1101 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. 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 complains that their new laptop only sees 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, not the 5 GHz network that was previously visible on their old phone. The router is dual-band and configured to broadcast both bands. What is the most likely reason the laptop cannot see the 5 GHz network?
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.
The router’s 5 GHz radio is set to a channel not supported by the laptop
Why wrong: While channel mismatch can cause issues, most modern adapters support standard 5 GHz channels; the more fundamental issue is hardware support.
B
The laptop’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz frequencies
If the adapter only works on 2.4 GHz, it will never see 5 GHz networks, regardless of router settings.
C
The 5 GHz SSID is hidden
Why wrong: A hidden SSID still appears in network scans as an unnamed network; the laptop would see it as 'Hidden Network'.
D
Interference from microwave ovens is blocking the 5 GHz signal
Why wrong: Microwaves primarily interfere with 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz, and would not cause a network to be invisible.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The laptop’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz frequencies
5 GHz networks require compatible hardware. If the laptop’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz (e.g., only supports 802.11b/g/n), it will not detect that band. The router is broadcasting both, so channel or SSID mismatch is less likely. Interference is not the cause of complete invisibility.
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 router’s 5 GHz radio is set to a channel not supported by the laptop
Why it's wrong here
While channel mismatch can cause issues, most modern adapters support standard 5 GHz channels; the more fundamental issue is hardware support.
✓
The laptop’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz frequencies
Why this is correct
If the adapter only works on 2.4 GHz, it will never see 5 GHz networks, regardless of router settings.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
A hidden SSID still appears in network scans as an unnamed network; the laptop would see it as 'Hidden Network'.
✗
Interference from microwave ovens is blocking the 5 GHz signal
Why it's wrong here
Microwaves primarily interfere with 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz, and would not cause a network to be invisible.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The laptop’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz frequencies — 5 GHz networks require compatible hardware. If the laptop’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz (e.g., only supports 802.11b/g/n), it will not detect that band. The router is broadcasting both, so channel or SSID mismatch is less likely. Interference is not the cause of complete invisibility.
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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