The answer is to check that the smartphone’s mobile data is enabled. This is correct because a mobile hotspot functions by sharing the phone’s cellular data connection over Wi-Fi; if mobile data is turned off, the hotspot will still broadcast a Wi-Fi signal, but no internet traffic can pass through, leaving the laptop connected but unable to reach the web. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the dependency chain in mobile hotspot functionality—a common trap is assuming the hotspot is working just because the Wi-Fi link is established. Remember, the hotspot is a bridge, not a source: it only relays data from the cellular network. A quick memory tip is “Hotspot needs data to host it”—if the phone can’t browse, the laptop won’t either.
220-1101 Mobile Device Connection Methods Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. 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 technician is configuring a mobile hotspot on a smartphone to provide internet access to a laptop. The laptop connects to the hotspot's Wi-Fi network but cannot access the internet. The smartphone has a cellular data connection. Which of the following should the technician check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The smartphone's mobile data is enabled
Mobile hotspots require cellular data to be enabled; if data is off, the hotspot broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal but no internet passes through. This tests basic troubleshooting of hotspot functionality and the dependency on cellular data.
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 laptop's IP address configuration
Why it's wrong here
IP configuration issues would prevent network access, but the laptop can connect to the hotspot, suggesting DHCP is working.
✓
The smartphone's mobile data is enabled
Why this is correct
The hotspot uses the phone's cellular data; if mobile data is off, the hotspot has no internet to share.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Firewall settings might block certain traffic, but the first step is to ensure the hotspot itself has internet access.
✗
The smartphone's Wi-Fi is turned on
Why it's wrong here
Wi-Fi on the phone is used for the hotspot, but it's already broadcasting; the issue is internet access, not connectivity.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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.
Mobile Device Connection Methods — This question tests Mobile Device Connection Methods — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The smartphone's mobile data is enabled — Mobile hotspots require cellular data to be enabled; if data is off, the hotspot broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal but no internet passes through. This tests basic troubleshooting of hotspot functionality and the dependency on cellular data.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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