The answer is a Personal Area Network (PAN). This is correct because wireless mice and keyboards that rely on a USB dongle operate over short-range radio frequencies, typically Bluetooth or proprietary RF, which are the defining technologies of a PAN. PANs are designed for connecting personal devices within a very limited range—usually up to 10 meters or about 33 feet—which explains why the peripherals fail beyond that distance. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish PAN from LAN, WAN, or MAN, which are all larger-scale networks and not used for direct peripheral connections. A common trap is confusing a USB dongle with a LAN adapter, but remember: if it’s a cable-replacement for a keyboard or mouse, it’s always a PAN. Memory tip: “PAN” stands for “Personal Area Network,” so think “Personal Peripherals—short range, just for you.”
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 user complains that their wireless mouse and keyboard stop working when they move more than 10 feet away from the computer. The devices use a USB dongle. Which network type is being used for these peripherals?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Wireless mice and keyboards typically use Bluetooth or proprietary RF, which are PAN technologies. PANs are designed for short-range (usually up to 10 meters or 33 feet) connections between personal devices. LAN, WAN, and MAN are larger networks not used for peripherals. The correct answer is PAN.
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 used for computers and network devices, not for direct peripheral connections like mice and keyboards.
✗
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why it's wrong here
A WAN is for long-distance networking, not for short-range peripherals.
✓
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Why this is correct
A PAN is the correct network type for short-range personal peripherals like wireless mice and keyboards.
A MAN covers a city area and is irrelevant to desktop peripherals.
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: Personal Area Network (PAN) — Wireless mice and keyboards typically use Bluetooth or proprietary RF, which are PAN technologies. PANs are designed for short-range (usually up to 10 meters or 33 feet) connections between personal devices. LAN, WAN, and MAN are larger networks not used for peripherals. The correct answer is PAN.
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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