- A
Enable Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) on the server connections.
Why wrong: LACP combines multiple links for increased bandwidth and redundancy, but it does not prevent loops on its own. STP is still needed to manage redundant paths.
- B
Enable Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) on all switches.
RSTP provides loop prevention and fast convergence in case of link failure, making it ideal for redundant network designs.
- C
Use a hub instead of a switch for the core connection.
Why wrong: Hubs do not prevent loops and would cause collisions and performance issues. They are not suitable for data center networks.
- D
Configure all switch ports as access ports.
Why wrong: Access ports are for end devices and do not affect loop prevention. Redundant links would still cause loops without STP.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is to enable Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) on all switches, as it is the networking hardware feature designed to prevent network loops while allowing redundant paths for failover. In a data center with multiple servers connected to a core switch, redundant links create physical loops that cause broadcast storms and MAC table instability; RSTP logically blocks redundant paths until a primary link fails, then rapidly converges to activate a backup path—typically within a few seconds. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of loop prevention protocols under the “Networking” domain, and a common trap is confusing RSTP with classic STP or thinking that link aggregation alone solves loop issues. Remember, RSTP is the faster, modern standard for preventing network loops in switched environments. A helpful memory tip: “RSTP is the rapid rescue for redundant loops.”
220-1101 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. 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 network engineer is designing a new data center and needs to connect multiple servers to a core switch with redundant paths. To prevent loops while allowing failover, which networking hardware feature should be implemented?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) on all switches.
This question tests knowledge of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and its variants. In a network with redundant links, STP is essential to prevent broadcast storms and loops. The correct answer is to enable Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) on the switches, which provides faster convergence than classic STP.
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.
- ✗
Enable Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) on the server connections.
- ✓
Enable Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) on all switches.
- ✗
Use a hub instead of a switch for the core connection.
Why it's wrong here
Hubs do not prevent loops and would cause collisions and performance issues. They are not suitable for data center networks.
- ✗
Configure all switch ports as access ports.
Why it's wrong here
Access ports are for end devices and do not affect loop prevention. Redundant links would still cause loops without STP.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Common Networking Hardware — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) on all switches. — This question tests knowledge of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and its variants. In a network with redundant links, STP is essential to prevent broadcast storms and loops. The correct answer is to enable Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) on the switches, which provides faster convergence than classic STP.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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