- A
The VPN client is using an incorrect DNS server
Why wrong: Incorrect DNS would likely affect all name resolutions, but email is accessible, so DNS is probably working.
- B
The file server is not on the same VLAN as the VPN concentrator
Why wrong: They don't need to be on the same VLAN; routing can be configured between VLANs. The issue is likely missing routes.
- C
The VPN concentrator lacks a route to the file server's subnet
Without a proper route, traffic destined for the file server subnet will not be forwarded correctly, causing access failure.
- D
The users do not have permission to log on locally to the file server
Why wrong: Permissions are checked after network connectivity is established; the issue is at the network layer, not the application layer.
Quick Answer
The answer is the VPN concentrator lacks a route to the file server’s subnet. This is correct because when a VPN client connects, the concentrator acts as a gateway, and without a specific route in its routing table pointing to the file server’s subnet, packets destined for that server are dropped or misrouted. Other internal resources like email remain accessible only because their subnets are already reachable via existing routes, highlighting that this is a classic routing configuration issue, not a connectivity or authentication failure. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how VPN concentrators handle traffic segmentation and the importance of static or dynamic routes for specific subnets. A common trap is assuming the VPN connection itself guarantees access to all internal resources, but remember: a VPN tunnel only provides a logical link; the concentrator must still know where to send the traffic. Memory tip: “No route, no file—route the subnet to complete the file.”
220-1102 Remote Access Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of remote access 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 remote access solution using a VPN concentrator. After setup, users report that they can connect to the VPN but cannot access internal file servers. Other internal resources like email are accessible. Which of the following 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 VPN concentrator lacks a route to the file server's subnet
Option C is correct because the VPN concentrator must have a route to the file server's subnet to forward traffic from VPN clients. Without this route, packets destined for the file server are dropped, while other resources (like email) remain accessible if their subnets are reachable. This is a classic routing issue in remote access VPN deployments.
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.
- ✗
The VPN client is using an incorrect DNS server
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect DNS would likely affect all name resolutions, but email is accessible, so DNS is probably working.
- ✗
The file server is not on the same VLAN as the VPN concentrator
Why it's wrong here
They don't need to be on the same VLAN; routing can be configured between VLANs. The issue is likely missing routes.
- ✓
The VPN concentrator lacks a route to the file server's subnet
Why this is correct
Without a proper route, traffic destined for the file server subnet will not be forwarded correctly, causing access failure.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The users do not have permission to log on locally to the file server
Why it's wrong here
Permissions are checked after network connectivity is established; the issue is at the network layer, not the application layer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that VLAN placement or local permissions are the root cause, when the actual issue is a missing route on the VPN concentrator to the specific subnet.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When a VPN client connects, the concentrator assigns an IP address and pushes routes (often via DHCP or PPP/IPCP). If the file server's subnet is not in the routing table, the concentrator will send an ICMP Destination Unreachable (Type 3, Code 0) back to the client. In real-world scenarios, this often happens when the file server resides in a separate routed segment (e.g., a DMZ or different office) and the VPN concentrator lacks a static route or dynamic routing protocol (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP) to that network.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Remote Access Technologies — This question tests Remote Access Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The VPN concentrator lacks a route to the file server's subnet — Option C is correct because the VPN concentrator must have a route to the file server's subnet to forward traffic from VPN clients. Without this route, packets destined for the file server are dropped, while other resources (like email) remain accessible if their subnets are reachable. This is a classic routing issue in remote access VPN deployments.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
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