- A
Reboot the ESXi host to refresh the network stack.
Why wrong: Rebooting would disrupt all VMs and does not fix the missing uplink configuration; the issue is specific to the port group.
- B
Change the VM’s virtual NIC type from E1000 to VMXNET3.
Why wrong: Changing the NIC type affects performance but does not resolve the lack of an uplink; the VM would still be isolated.
- C
Add a physical NIC to the port group as an active uplink.
Adding an uplink connects the port group to the physical network, allowing the VM to communicate externally. This directly addresses the root cause.
- D
Disable and re-enable the virtual switch.
Why wrong: Disabling the virtual switch would affect all VMs and does not fix the port group configuration; it is an unnecessary disruptive step.
Quick Answer
The answer is to add a physical NIC to the port group as an active uplink. This restores connectivity because a virtual network port group with no uplink acts like a switch with no cables to the outside world—VMs in that group can only talk to each other on the same host, not to the physical network. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of virtual networking components, specifically how port groups map to physical adapters. A common trap is thinking the VM’s virtual NIC is the problem, but the issue is at the virtual switch level; other VMs work fine because they use a different port group with active uplinks. Remember the memory tip: “No uplink, no link”—if a port group lacks a physical NIC assignment, traffic cannot leave the host, so always verify the uplink configuration before troubleshooting the VM itself.
220-1101 Virtualization Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization concepts. 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 company uses VMware vSphere to run multiple VMs on a single ESXi host. A user reports that their VM suddenly lost network connectivity, but other VMs on the same host are working fine. The technician checks the virtual switch configuration and finds that the VM’s virtual NIC is connected to a port group that has no active uplinks. What should the technician do to restore connectivity?
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
Add a physical NIC to the port group as an active uplink.
In virtualization, a port group defines network settings for VMs. If a port group has no active uplinks, VMs in that group cannot communicate outside the host. The correct answer involves either adding an uplink or moving the VM to a working port group. This tests understanding of virtual networking components.
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.
- ✗
Reboot the ESXi host to refresh the network stack.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting would disrupt all VMs and does not fix the missing uplink configuration; the issue is specific to the port group.
- ✗
Change the VM’s virtual NIC type from E1000 to VMXNET3.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the NIC type affects performance but does not resolve the lack of an uplink; the VM would still be isolated.
- ✓
Add a physical NIC to the port group as an active uplink.
Why this is correct
Adding an uplink connects the port group to the physical network, allowing the VM to communicate externally. This directly addresses the root cause.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disable and re-enable the virtual switch.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the virtual switch would affect all VMs and does not fix the port group configuration; it is an unnecessary disruptive step.
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.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Virtualization Concepts — study guide chapter
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Virtualization Concepts practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Virtualization Concepts — This question tests Virtualization Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a physical NIC to the port group as an active uplink. — In virtualization, a port group defines network settings for VMs. If a port group has no active uplinks, VMs in that group cannot communicate outside the host. The correct answer involves either adding an uplink or moving the VM to a working port group. This tests understanding of virtual networking components.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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