The answer is a mantrap with smart card and biometric authentication. This physical security control is the gold standard for high-security labs because it uses two interlocking doors that create a small vestibule, allowing only one person at a time to enter after successful authentication—typically via a smart card and biometric scan—before the second door unlocks. This design directly prevents tailgating and piggybacking, as any unauthorized individual attempting to follow an authorized person through the first door will be trapped until the first person exits or security intervenes. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of physical security controls for restricted areas, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish a mantrap from simpler solutions like a turnstile or access badge alone. A common trap is confusing a mantrap with a simple locked door or turnstile, which cannot enforce one-person-at-a-time entry. Memory tip: think “two doors, one person, no tailgating”—the mantrap acts like an airlock for people.
220-1102 Physical Security Controls Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. 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 company is designing a secure entry for a high-security lab. They need to ensure that only one person can enter at a time and that the person must be authenticated before the second door opens. Which physical security control should be used?
Why wrong: Turnstiles can control flow but do not typically have two interlocking doors that require authentication before the second door opens.
B
Security guard with logbook
Why wrong: A guard can monitor entry but is not a physical control that mechanically enforces one-person entry; it relies on human vigilance.
C
Mantrap with smart card and biometric authentication
A mantrap uses two doors; the first door locks after entry, and the second door only unlocks after successful authentication, ensuring single-person access.
D
Cipher lock with door alarm
Why wrong: A cipher lock and alarm do not prevent multiple people from entering together; they only alert if the door is forced.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Mantrap with smart card and biometric authentication
A mantrap with two interlocking doors and authentication requirements ensures one-person-at-a-time entry, preventing tailgating and piggybacking. This is the gold standard for high-security areas requiring strict access control.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Turnstile with biometric reader
Why it's wrong here
Turnstiles can control flow but do not typically have two interlocking doors that require authentication before the second door opens.
✗
Security guard with logbook
Why it's wrong here
A guard can monitor entry but is not a physical control that mechanically enforces one-person entry; it relies on human vigilance.
✓
Mantrap with smart card and biometric authentication
Why this is correct
A mantrap uses two doors; the first door locks after entry, and the second door only unlocks after successful authentication, ensuring single-person access.
A cipher lock and alarm do not prevent multiple people from entering together; they only alert if the door is forced.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1202 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Mantrap with smart card and biometric authentication — A mantrap with two interlocking doors and authentication requirements ensures one-person-at-a-time entry, preventing tailgating and piggybacking. This is the gold standard for high-security areas requiring strict access control.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1202 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is implementing a new policy to prevent tailgating at the main entrance. Which physical security control should they deploy?
easy
A.Security cameras
B.Biometric reader
✓ C.Mantrap
D.Badge reader
Why C: A mantrap uses two interlocking doors to ensure only one person can enter at a time, effectively preventing tailgating. This tests understanding of specialized access controls designed to enforce one-person-per-authentication.
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Question Discussion
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