The answer is a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). A MAN is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to interconnect networks across a city-sized geographic area, typically spanning 5 to 50 kilometers, which perfectly matches the 50 square kilometer requirement for municipal Wi-Fi hotspots. Unlike a Local Area Network (LAN), which is confined to a single building or campus, or a Wide Area Network (WAN), which connects cities or countries, a MAN provides the ideal balance of coverage, security, and high-speed internet access for a metropolitan region. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish network types by scale and purpose—a common trap is confusing a MAN with a WAN, but remember that a WAN covers a much larger area, often using leased lines across states or countries. For a quick memory tip, think of the “M” in MAN as standing for “Metro” or “Municipal,” linking it directly to city-wide government and public services.
220-1101 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. 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.
A technician is configuring a network for a municipal government that needs to connect public Wi-Fi hotspots across a city, covering an area of about 50 square kilometers. The network must be secure and provide internet access to citizens. Which network type should be deployed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is designed to cover a city-sized area, making it suitable for connecting public Wi-Fi hotspots across 50 square kilometers. It can provide secure, high-speed internet access to citizens. A WAN would be too broad, a LAN is too small, and a PAN is for personal devices.
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.
✗
Local Area Network (LAN)
Why it's wrong here
A LAN is limited to a single building or campus and cannot cover a city-wide area.
✗
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why it's wrong here
A WAN spans larger regions like states or countries, which is excessive for a single city and may be less efficient.
✓
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why this is correct
A MAN is specifically built to cover a city-sized area, ideal for municipal Wi-Fi hotspots and secure internet access.
A PAN covers only a few meters and cannot support city-wide connectivity.
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: Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) — A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is designed to cover a city-sized area, making it suitable for connecting public Wi-Fi hotspots across 50 square kilometers. It can provide secure, high-speed internet access to citizens. A WAN would be too broad, a LAN is too small, and a PAN is for personal devices.
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.
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