The answer is a subnet mismatch caused by the WAP’s separate DHCP server. When the wireless access point assigns IP addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range while the printer remains at 192.168.0.50 on the original 192.168.0.0/24 network, devices on different subnets cannot communicate unless a router explicitly routes between them. This scenario tests your understanding of IP addressing and subnetting fundamentals on the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, where a common trap is assuming all devices on the same physical switch can automatically see each other regardless of their IP range. The key insight is that a WAP with its own DHCP creates a separate logical network, and without inter-VLAN routing, the printer becomes unreachable from the guest subnet. Remember the memory tip: “Same switch, different subnet? No route, no shout.”
FC0-U61 Infrastructure Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. 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 small office has five computers connected to a switch, which is connected to a router that provides internet access. The office uses a single printer connected to one computer and shared over the network. The router has built-in DHCP and assigns IP addresses in the 192.168.0.0/24 range. Recently, the office manager added a wireless access point (WAP) to allow guests to access the internet. The WAP is connected to the switch and configured with its own DHCP server handing out addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range. The manager notices that some office computers are unable to access the shared printer, while others can. The computers that cannot access the printer have IP addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range. The printer's IP address is 192.168.0.50. What is the most likely cause of the issue?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The computers with IP addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range are on a different subnet than the printer.
The computers with IP addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range are on a different subnet than the printer, which has an IP address of 192.168.0.50. Without a router configured to route traffic between these two subnets, devices on the 192.168.1.0/24 network cannot communicate with devices on the 192.168.0.0/24 network. Since the WAP is acting as a separate DHCP server and is not routing between the subnets, the printer remains unreachable from the guest network.
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 WAP's DHCP server is malfunctioning.
Why it's wrong here
DHCP is working; it assigned IPs to some computers.
✓
The computers with IP addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range are on a different subnet than the printer.
Why this is correct
Different subnets require a router to communicate.
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 switch port for the printer is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
Printer is accessible from some computers.
✗
The printer is not powered on.
Why it's wrong here
Printer is accessible from some computers.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume all devices connected to the same switch are on the same network, overlooking that separate DHCP servers create distinct subnets that require a router to communicate.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a typical small office network, a router with DHCP assigns addresses on a single subnet (e.g., 192.168.0.0/24). Adding a WAP with its own DHCP server creates a second subnet (192.168.1.0/24) that is isolated at Layer 3 unless inter-VLAN routing or a router-on-a-stick configuration is implemented. The switch operates at Layer 2 and forwards frames based on MAC addresses, but it cannot forward packets between different subnets without a Layer 3 device. This scenario often leads to the misconception that all devices connected to the same switch can communicate, but IP subnetting requires a router to bridge the logical networks.
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 network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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.
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The computers with IP addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range are on a different subnet than the printer. — The computers with IP addresses in the 192.168.1.0/24 range are on a different subnet than the printer, which has an IP address of 192.168.0.50. Without a router configured to route traffic between these two subnets, devices on the 192.168.1.0/24 network cannot communicate with devices on the 192.168.0.0/24 network. Since the WAP is acting as a separate DHCP server and is not routing between the subnets, the printer remains unreachable from the guest network.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 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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Question Discussion
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