- A
The router's firmware is outdated.
Why wrong: While outdated firmware can cause issues, the sudden change after switching security modes points directly to the authentication method change.
- B
The devices do not support the new encryption cipher.
Why wrong: WPA2-Enterprise still uses AES encryption, which is widely supported; the issue is with authentication, not encryption.
- C
The router is now requiring a username and password from a RADIUS server, which the home network lacks.
WPA2-Enterprise relies on 802.1X authentication with a RADIUS server; home networks typically do not have this infrastructure, so devices cannot authenticate.
- D
The SSID was changed during the configuration.
Why wrong: Changing the SSID would require reconnecting devices, but the customer only mentioned changing the security mode, not the network name.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the router now requires a username and password from a RADIUS server, which the home network lacks. WPA2-Enterprise is designed for corporate environments where a dedicated authentication server validates each user’s credentials, whereas WPA2-Personal (PSK) relies on a single shared passphrase stored on the router itself. When you switch to Enterprise mode without a RADIUS server, no device can authenticate because the router has no backend service to verify login requests. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your grasp of wireless security modes and their infrastructure requirements—a common trap is assuming Enterprise mode works like Personal mode with a stronger password. Remember the key distinction: Personal = one key for all, Enterprise = individual logins requiring a server. For a quick memory tip, think “PSK is for people at home; Enterprise needs an extra server.”
220-1102 Wireless Security Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. 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 customer calls saying their home Wi-Fi network suddenly stopped working after they changed the router's security mode from WPA2-PSK to WPA2-Enterprise. All their devices previously connected fine. What is the most likely cause of the problem?
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 router is now requiring a username and password from a RADIUS server, which the home network lacks.
WPA2-Enterprise requires a RADIUS authentication server, which is not present in a typical home network. WPA2-PSK uses a pre-shared key, which is standard for home use. This question tests the understanding of the difference between Personal and Enterprise modes.
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.
- ✗
The router's firmware is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
While outdated firmware can cause issues, the sudden change after switching security modes points directly to the authentication method change.
- ✗
The devices do not support the new encryption cipher.
Why it's wrong here
WPA2-Enterprise still uses AES encryption, which is widely supported; the issue is with authentication, not encryption.
- ✓
The router is now requiring a username and password from a RADIUS server, which the home network lacks.
Why this is correct
WPA2-Enterprise relies on 802.1X authentication with a RADIUS server; home networks typically do not have this infrastructure, so devices cannot authenticate.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The SSID was changed during the configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the SSID would require reconnecting devices, but the customer only mentioned changing the security mode, not the network name.
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.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Wireless Security Protocols — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The router is now requiring a username and password from a RADIUS server, which the home network lacks. — WPA2-Enterprise requires a RADIUS authentication server, which is not present in a typical home network. WPA2-PSK uses a pre-shared key, which is standard for home use. This question tests the understanding of the difference between Personal and Enterprise modes.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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.
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