The answer is that the TV’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz. This is the most likely reason because a device must have a dual-band or 5‑GHz‑capable radio to detect and connect to a 5 GHz network; if the adapter only operates on 2.4 GHz, the 5 GHz band will remain invisible regardless of router settings. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless standards and device compatibility—a common trap is assuming the router is misconfigured when the real issue is the client hardware. Remember that many budget or older smart TVs, IoT devices, and entry‑level laptops ship with 2.4‑GHz‑only adapters to reduce cost. A quick memory tip: “5 GHz needs a 5‑capable card”—if the device’s specs don’t list 802.11a, ac, or ax support, it cannot see that band.
220-1101 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. 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 customer calls to say their new smart TV can see the 2.4 GHz network but not the 5 GHz network, even though the router is dual-band. The technician checks the router settings and confirms both bands are enabled and broadcasting. What is the most likely reason the TV cannot see the 5 GHz network?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The TV’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz
Many older or budget smart TVs only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If the TV’s wireless adapter lacks 5 GHz capability, it will never see that network. The router is working correctly, so the issue is device compatibility. Channel or SSID settings are less likely causes.
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 5 GHz SSID is hidden
Why it's wrong here
A hidden SSID still appears as 'Hidden Network' in scans; the TV would at least detect an unnamed network.
✓
The TV’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz
Why this is correct
If the TV only has a 2.4 GHz radio, it cannot detect 5 GHz networks at all, explaining the symptom.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
DFS channels can cause delays but not complete invisibility; the TV would still see the network after a radar check.
✗
The router’s 5 GHz radio is faulty
Why it's wrong here
If the 5 GHz radio were faulty, no device would see the network, but the problem is isolated to the TV.
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.
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.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The TV’s wireless adapter does not support 5 GHz — Many older or budget smart TVs only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If the TV’s wireless adapter lacks 5 GHz capability, it will never see that network. The router is working correctly, so the issue is device compatibility. Channel or SSID settings are less likely causes.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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