- A
Set up an open network with no encryption and a captive portal for terms of service.
An open network allows easy access without a password, and a captive portal can enforce acceptable use, but it does not encrypt traffic; this matches the owner's request for no password.
- B
Use WPA2-PSK with a simple password like 'coffee123'.
Why wrong: This still requires a password, which the owner does not want; it also provides encryption but is not 'no password'.
- C
Enable WPA3-Enterprise with certificate-based authentication.
Why wrong: This is overly complex for a coffee shop and requires certificates, defeating the purpose of easy access.
- D
Use WEP with a shared key printed on a receipt.
Why wrong: WEP is insecure and deprecated; it also requires a key, not a 'no password' scenario.
Quick Answer
The answer is to set up an open network with no encryption and a captive portal for terms of service. This configuration directly meets the coffee shop owner’s request for guest Wi-Fi security without a password, prioritizing easy connection over data protection. The key technical trade-off here is that an open network with a captive portal provides no encryption, meaning traffic is transmitted in plain text and vulnerable to eavesdropping—a critical point the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam tests to see if you understand the difference between access control and encryption. A common trap is assuming a captive portal alone secures the data; it only gates entry. While WPA3-Enhanced Open (OWE) offers encryption without a password, it is not always available in legacy equipment, so the exam expects you to recognize the open-plus-captive-portal model as the standard, practical answer for guest Wi-Fi security without a password. Memory tip: “Portal for access, no cloak for data”—the captive portal controls who gets in, but the data stays naked.
220-1102 Wireless Security Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. 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 technician is setting up a guest Wi-Fi network in a coffee shop. The owner wants customers to be able to connect easily without entering a password, but still wants basic encryption to prevent eavesdropping. Which security configuration should the technician use?
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
Set up an open network with no encryption and a captive portal for terms of service.
WPA3-Personal offers an 'Enhanced Open' mode (OWE) that provides encryption without a password, but WPA2-PSK with a simple password is more common. However, the scenario explicitly asks for 'no password' and 'basic encryption'. The correct answer is to use an open network with a captive portal, but that doesn't provide encryption. The best compromise is to use WPA3-Enhanced Open (OWE) if supported, but since that may not be an option, the technician might use an open network with a captive portal. Among the options, the correct one is to use an open network with a captive portal for ease of access, but encryption is not provided. However, the question expects the technician to explain that an open network cannot provide encryption. The correct answer is to use a captive portal on an open network, acknowledging the lack of encryption. This tests understanding of trade-offs between security and convenience.
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.
- ✓
Set up an open network with no encryption and a captive portal for terms of service.
Why this is correct
An open network allows easy access without a password, and a captive portal can enforce acceptable use, but it does not encrypt traffic; this matches the owner's request for no password.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use WPA2-PSK with a simple password like 'coffee123'.
Why it's wrong here
This still requires a password, which the owner does not want; it also provides encryption but is not 'no password'.
- ✗
Enable WPA3-Enterprise with certificate-based authentication.
Why it's wrong here
This is overly complex for a coffee shop and requires certificates, defeating the purpose of easy access.
- ✗
Use WEP with a shared key printed on a receipt.
Why it's wrong here
WEP is insecure and deprecated; it also requires a key, not a 'no password' scenario.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
WEP is insecure and deprecated; it also requires a key, not a 'no password' scenario.
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 220-1202 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. 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 220-1202 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.
- →
Wireless Security Protocols — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set up an open network with no encryption and a captive portal for terms of service. — WPA3-Personal offers an 'Enhanced Open' mode (OWE) that provides encryption without a password, but WPA2-PSK with a simple password is more common. However, the scenario explicitly asks for 'no password' and 'basic encryption'. The correct answer is to use an open network with a captive portal, but that doesn't provide encryption. The best compromise is to use WPA3-Enhanced Open (OWE) if supported, but since that may not be an option, the technician might use an open network with a captive portal. Among the options, the correct one is to use an open network with a captive portal for ease of access, but encryption is not provided. However, the question expects the technician to explain that an open network cannot provide encryption. The correct answer is to use a captive portal on an open network, acknowledging the lack of encryption. This tests understanding of trade-offs between security and convenience.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.