Drag or tap steps into the slots.
N10-009 Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
Drag and drop the steps to set up a wireless network with WPA2-PSK encryption on a SOHO router into the correct order.
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
Connect router to modem and power, connect computer via Ethernet, access web interface, configure SSID, select WPA2-PSK and enter passphrase, save settings.
Wireless setup includes hardware connection, web access, SSID, security, and save.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Connect router to modem and power, connect computer via Ethernet, access web interface, configure SSID, select WPA2-PSK and enter passphrase, save settings.
Why this is correct
This sequence correctly establishes the physical network infrastructure first by connecting the router to the modem and power, then provides a direct management link via Ethernet to a computer. This allows the user to reliably access the router's web-based configuration interface. Subsequently, the essential wireless parameters—SSID for network identification and WPA2-PSK with a strong passphrase for robust security—are configured before saving, which applies all changes and activates the wireless network.
- ✗
Connect router to modem and power, access web interface, configure SSID, select WPA2-PSK and enter passphrase, connect computer via Ethernet, save settings.
Why it's wrong here
This order is incorrect because attempting to access the router's web interface requires an active network connection between the computer and the router. Placing 'connect computer via Ethernet' after 'access web interface' creates an impossible scenario, as the computer would lack the necessary physical layer connectivity to establish communication with the router's management interface at that point.
- ✗
Connect computer via Ethernet, access web interface, select WPA2-PSK and enter passphrase, configure SSID, save settings, connect router to modem and power.
Why it's wrong here
This sequence is fundamentally flawed because the router must be powered on and connected to the modem to establish a functional network infrastructure before any client device can connect or attempt configuration. Without the router being operational and connected to the internet source, the computer would be unable to obtain an IP address or reach the router's web interface, rendering subsequent steps impossible.
- ✗
Connect router to modem and power, connect computer via Ethernet, access web interface, save settings, configure SSID, select WPA2-PSK.
Why it's wrong here
Saving settings prematurely, before the SSID and WPA2-PSK passphrase have been configured, would result in no changes being applied to the wireless network parameters. The router would simply save its current, unconfigured state, requiring the user to re-enter the configuration interface to properly define the wireless network's name and security settings.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Wireless Signal Strength and Coverage Issues
Key term
WPA2
WPA2 is a security protocol used to protect Wi-Fi networks by encrypting data transmitted between devices and the access point.
Key term
Pre-shared Key
A secret password or passphrase that two devices share beforehand to prove they are allowed to connect and communicate securely.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This N10-009 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 N10-009 exam.