- A
The access point is set to 802.11ax-only mode.
Why wrong: 802.11ax is backward compatible; if set to ax-only, ac devices would not connect, but this is rare and less likely than security mismatch.
- B
The laptops have outdated firmware that does not support OFDMA.
Why wrong: OFDMA is a Wi-Fi 6 feature; older adapters simply ignore it and connect using legacy methods.
- C
The access point is configured to use WPA3 only.
WPA3 is often enabled by default on Wi-Fi 6 APs; 802.11ac laptops may not support WPA3, causing connection failures.
- D
The 5 GHz radio is disabled on the access point.
Why wrong: 802.11ac operates on 5 GHz, but if 5 GHz were disabled, ac laptops would not connect, but the scenario says older ac laptops cannot connect while newer ax ones can, implying 5 GHz is active.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the access point is configured to use WPA3 only, which breaks backward compatibility with older 802.11ac adapters. While Wi-Fi 6 backward compatibility with WPA3 is a key feature of the 802.11ax standard, the security protocol itself is not backward compatible with WPA2-only hardware. If the access point is set to require WPA3, older laptops that only support WPA2 will fail to authenticate, even though the physical Wi-Fi 6 radio is fully compatible with 802.11ac. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this traps students who assume Wi-Fi 6 backward compatibility automatically extends to security settings; the common mistake is blaming the radio standard instead of the authentication mismatch. Remember that Wi-Fi 6 can run WPA2, WPA3, or a mixed mode—so if older devices can’t connect, check the security mode first. Memory tip: “Wi-Fi 6 is friendly to old radios, but WPA3-only locks the door on old keys.”
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 company deploys a new 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) access point to support high-density environments. Some older laptops with 802.11ac adapters cannot connect, while newer Wi-Fi 6 laptops work fine. The SSID is broadcast and security is set to WPA2. What is the MOST likely cause?
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 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
The access point is configured to use WPA3 only.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is backward compatible with 802.11ac, but if the access point is configured to require WPA3 (a common Wi-Fi 6 feature), older adapters that only support WPA2 will fail to connect.
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 access point is set to 802.11ax-only mode.
Why it's wrong here
802.11ax is backward compatible; if set to ax-only, ac devices would not connect, but this is rare and less likely than security mismatch.
- ✗
The laptops have outdated firmware that does not support OFDMA.
Why it's wrong here
OFDMA is a Wi-Fi 6 feature; older adapters simply ignore it and connect using legacy methods.
- ✓
The access point is configured to use WPA3 only.
- ✗
The 5 GHz radio is disabled on the access point.
Why it's wrong here
802.11ac operates on 5 GHz, but if 5 GHz were disabled, ac laptops would not connect, but the scenario says older ac laptops cannot connect while newer ax ones can, implying 5 GHz is active.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
802.11ac operates on 5 GHz, but if 5 GHz were disabled, ac laptops would not connect, but the scenario says older ac laptops cannot connect while newer ax ones can, implying 5 GHz is active.
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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Wireless Networking Technologies — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
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 access point is configured to use WPA3 only. — Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is backward compatible with 802.11ac, but if the access point is configured to require WPA3 (a common Wi-Fi 6 feature), older adapters that only support WPA2 will fail to connect.
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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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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