The correct choice is 802.1X with a RADIUS server, because WPA2-Enterprise relies on this combination to authenticate each device individually against a central database before granting network access. Unlike WPA2-Personal, which uses a single pre-shared key, 802.1X requires a RADIUS server to verify credentials—such as certificates on company-issued laptops—ensuring only authorized devices connect while also enabling strong data encryption. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of enterprise authentication methods; a common trap is confusing WPA2-Enterprise with WPA2-Personal or assuming a simple password suffices. Remember that “Enterprise” implies a server-based authentication infrastructure, not a shared key. A helpful memory tip: think of RADIUS as the gatekeeper that checks each laptop’s ID card before opening the wireless door.
220-1101 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. 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 technician is configuring a new wireless network for a small business. The owner wants to ensure that only company-issued laptops can connect, and that data is encrypted. The laptops support WPA2-Enterprise. Which authentication method should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
802.1X with a RADIUS server
WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X/RADIUS for per-user or per-device authentication, ideal for controlled access with company devices. It provides strong encryption and prevents unauthorized connections.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
WPA2-PSK with a strong passphrase
Why it's wrong here
PSK uses a shared passphrase; anyone who knows it can connect, which does not restrict access to only company laptops.
✗
WPA3-SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals)
Why it's wrong here
WPA3-SAE is a personal mode, similar to PSK but more secure; it still uses a shared credential, not per-device authentication.
✓
802.1X with a RADIUS server
Why this is correct
802.1X requires each device to authenticate individually via a RADIUS server, allowing only authorized company laptops to connect.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
MAC address filtering
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering can be spoofed and is not a secure authentication method; it does not encrypt data and is easily bypassed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
PSK uses a shared passphrase; anyone who knows it can connect, which does not restrict access to only company laptops.
Similar concept trap
WPA3-SAE is a personal mode, similar to PSK but more secure; it still uses a shared credential, not per-device authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 802.1X with a RADIUS server — WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X/RADIUS for per-user or per-device authentication, ideal for controlled access with company devices. It provides strong encryption and prevents unauthorized connections.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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