- A
Change the AP to use only 2.4 GHz band.
2.4 GHz has better range and can penetrate obstacles like warehouse racks more effectively, reducing disconnects.
- B
Increase the AP's channel width to 80 MHz.
Why wrong: Wider channels increase throughput but reduce range and are more susceptible to interference, worsening the issue.
- C
Enable WPA3 encryption on the network.
Why wrong: Encryption does not affect range or signal penetration; it only secures data.
- D
Reduce the AP's transmit power to avoid interference.
Why wrong: Lowering power would reduce range, making disconnects more likely.
Question 145 of 1,020
802.11ac 5 GHz Range Issues in Warehouse: Troubleshooting Guide
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 802.11ac access point in a warehouse. After installation, workers report that their handheld scanners frequently disconnect when moving between aisles. The AP is mounted on a high ceiling. Which configuration change would most likely improve connectivity?
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.
Quick Answer
The answer is to change the AP to use only the 2.4 GHz band. This is correct because 802.11ac operates exclusively on the 5 GHz frequency, which has significantly shorter range and poorer penetration through obstacles like metal racks and concrete pillars common in a warehouse. The 2.4 GHz band, while slower, offers superior range and can better navigate the dense aisles and shelving that cause 802.11ac 5 GHz range issues in warehouse environments. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of frequency trade-offs: 5 GHz offers speed but sacrifices distance and obstacle penetration, while 2.4 GHz prioritizes coverage. A common trap is assuming a newer standard like 802.11ac always solves connectivity problems, but the real issue is physical layer limitations. Remember the mnemonic “5 for speed, 2 for distance” to quickly recall that 2.4 GHz is the go-to for coverage through walls and racks.
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
✓
Change the AP to use only 2.4 GHz band.
The 5 GHz band used by 802.11ac has poorer penetration and range through obstacles like warehouse shelving and inventory. By switching to the 2.4 GHz band, signals diffract better around aisles and through racks, reducing disconnections for mobile scanners moving between aisles.
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.
- ✓
Change the AP to use only 2.4 GHz band.
Why this is correct
2.4 GHz has better range and can penetrate obstacles like warehouse racks more effectively, reducing disconnects.
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.
- ✗
Increase the AP's channel width to 80 MHz.
Why it's wrong here
Wider channels increase throughput but reduce range and are more susceptible to interference, worsening the issue.
- ✗
Enable WPA3 encryption on the network.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption does not affect range or signal penetration; it only secures data.
- ✗
Reduce the AP's transmit power to avoid interference.
Why it's wrong here
Lowering power would reduce range, making disconnects more likely.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is to assume that 5 GHz always outperforms 2.4 GHz, but in warehouse environments with many obstacles, 2.4 GHz offers better range and penetration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
802.11ac operates exclusively in the 5 GHz band, which suffers from higher path loss and less diffraction around obstacles compared to 2.4 GHz. Handheld scanners often use 2.4 GHz for better range in cluttered environments; forcing the AP to 2.4 GHz (if it supports dual-band operation) leverages the lower frequency's superior penetration through warehouse racks and inventory. In practice, many warehouse deployments use 2.4 GHz-only APs or band steering to prefer 2.4 GHz for mobile devices.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
- →
Wireless Networking Technologies — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 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 220-1201 question test?
Wireless Networking Technologies — This question tests Wireless Networking Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the AP to use only 2.4 GHz band. — The 5 GHz band used by 802.11ac has poorer penetration and range through obstacles like warehouse shelving and inventory. By switching to the 2.4 GHz band, signals diffract better around aisles and through racks, reducing disconnections for mobile scanners moving between aisles.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A client reports that their new 802.11ac laptop cannot connect to the office Wi-Fi, while older 802.11n devices work fine. The access point is a dual-band model. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason?
easy- A.The laptop's Wi-Fi antenna is damaged.
- ✓ B.The 5 GHz radio on the access point is disabled.
- C.The laptop's drivers are not compatible with 802.11n.
- D.The access point is set to 802.11b-only mode.
Why B: The 802.11ac standard operates exclusively on the 5 GHz band. If the access point's 5 GHz radio is disabled, the laptop cannot see or connect to the Wi-Fi network, even though older 802.11n clients can still connect using the 2.4 GHz radio. This is the most likely cause because the laptop is new and otherwise functional, and the AP is dual-band but may have its 5 GHz radio turned off by default or misconfiguration.
Keep practising
More 220-1201 practice questions
- During a network cable installation, a technician needs to verify that a newly run Cat6 cable is properly terminated and…
- A user connects a 4K monitor to their laptop using a USB-C port. The monitor is detected, but the resolution is stuck at…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that will not charge. The battery is removable, and the power adapter works on…
- A customer brings in a smartphone with a broken charging port. They want the port replaced. During disassembly, the tech…
- A user reports that their laptop's keyboard types random characters when certain keys are pressed. The laptop has not be…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that shuts down randomly after a few minutes of use. The fan is spinning, and t…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 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.