The correct choice is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) using a point-to-point wireless bridge. This solution is ideal because a MAN is specifically designed to connect multiple locations across a city, and a point-to-point wireless bridge provides a high-speed, cost-effective link for distances up to several miles when running fiber optic cable is prohibitively expensive. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to match network types—LAN, WAN, PAN, and MAN—to real-world distances and constraints, with the common trap being to confuse a MAN with a WAN or to overlook the wireless bridge as a viable alternative to cabling. Remember that a MAN covers a city-scale area, while a WAN spans beyond a city, and a point-to-point bridge uses directional antennas to create a dedicated link. A helpful memory tip: think "Metro = MAN, and Wireless Bridge = No Fiber Fuss."
220-1101 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 company wants to connect two office buildings that are 2 miles apart in the same city to share a high-speed internet connection and internal resources. Fiber optic cable is not an option due to cost. Which network type and technology would be most appropriate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
MAN using a point-to-point wireless bridge
This scenario requires a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) because it connects two locations within a city. A point-to-point wireless bridge is a common, cost-effective solution for distances up to several miles when cabling is impractical. MANs are designed for such metropolitan-scale connections.
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.
✗
LAN using CAT6 Ethernet cable
Why it's wrong here
Ethernet cable is limited to 100 meters, far too short for 2 miles.
✗
WAN using a satellite link
Why it's wrong here
Satellite links are for very long distances and have high latency; overkill and expensive for 2 miles.
✓
MAN using a point-to-point wireless bridge
Why this is correct
A MAN covers a city area; wireless bridges can connect buildings miles apart without cabling, suitable for this distance.
Bluetooth PANs have a range of about 10 meters, completely inadequate for 2 miles.
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: MAN using a point-to-point wireless bridge — This scenario requires a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) because it connects two locations within a city. A point-to-point wireless bridge is a common, cost-effective solution for distances up to several miles when cabling is impractical. MANs are designed for such metropolitan-scale connections.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A city government wants to provide free public Wi-Fi in a downtown area spanning 2 square miles. The network must handle hundreds of simultaneous users and be accessible from streets and parks. Which network type is most appropriate for this deployment?
hard
A.Local Area Network (LAN)
B.Wide Area Network (WAN)
C.Personal Area Network (PAN)
✓ D.Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why D: A MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is designed to cover a city-sized area, making it ideal for a public Wi-Fi zone. A LAN is too small, a WAN is too large and often not designed for public access in a small area, and a PAN is personal. The correct answer is MAN because it fits the downtown coverage requirement.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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