The answer is the ping command. Ping is the correct choice because it sends Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo requests to a specified IP address or hostname, and then listens for echo reply packets; the time between sending the request and receiving the reply directly measures the round-trip time, while the presence of any reply confirms reachability. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish basic network diagnostic tools—a common trap is confusing ping with tracert (which traces the route) or ipconfig (which shows local configuration), but only ping provides a simple reachability check and latency measurement in one step. A helpful memory tip is to think of ping as a sonar “ping” in the ocean: you send a signal and time how long it takes to bounce back, instantly telling you if the target is there and how far away it is.
220-1101 Networking Tools Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of networking tools. 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.
You are troubleshooting a network where users in one department cannot reach a critical server. You need to check if the server's IP address is reachable and measure the round-trip time. Which command-line tool provides this information?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ping
This question tests understanding of basic network diagnostic commands. Ping sends ICMP echo requests to a host and measures response time, confirming reachability and latency.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
ping
Why this is correct
Ping tests connectivity to a host by sending packets and measuring the time it takes to receive a reply.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
tracert
Why it's wrong here
Tracert shows the route and per-hop delays but is not the primary tool for simple reachability and round-trip time.
✗
nslookup
Why it's wrong here
Nslookup resolves domain names to IP addresses but does not test connectivity.
✗
netstat
Why it's wrong here
Netstat displays active connections and listening ports, not reachability or latency.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Tracert shows the route and per-hop delays but is not the primary tool for simple reachability and round-trip time.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Networking Tools — This question tests Networking Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ping — This question tests understanding of basic network diagnostic commands. Ping sends ICMP echo requests to a host and measures response time, confirming reachability and latency.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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