- A
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses, but the issue is name resolution, not IP assignment.
- B
DNS
DNS is responsible for name resolution; if the VPN server does not push correct DNS servers, name resolution fails.
- C
IPsec
Why wrong: IPsec provides encryption for VPN traffic, not name resolution.
- D
SSL/TLS
Why wrong: SSL/TLS provides encryption for VPN connections, not DNS configuration.
Question 474 of 1,020
DNS Misconfiguration in VPN: Can Ping IP but Cannot Resolve Names
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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's remote employees use VPN to connect to the office network. Recently, some users report that they can connect to the VPN but cannot browse the internet or access internal servers by name, though they can ping internal IP addresses. The VPN is configured to push DNS settings. Which protocol is likely misconfigured on the VPN server?
Quick Answer
The answer is DNS, as the protocol responsible for name resolution is misconfigured on the VPN server. When remote employees can ping internal IP addresses but cannot resolve hostnames or browse the internet, the core issue lies in the VPN’s DNS settings—the server is failing to push correct DNS server addresses to clients, or the DNS forwarding rules are broken. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to isolate network layer problems: connectivity (ICMP) works, but application-layer name resolution (DNS) fails. A common trap is to suspect the VPN tunnel itself or DHCP, but the clue is that IP-based pings succeed, which rules out routing or authentication issues. Remember the memory tip: “If you can ping the IP but not the name, DNS is the blame.”
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
✓
DNS
The correct answer is B (DNS) because the users can connect to the VPN and ping internal IP addresses, but cannot resolve hostnames to IP addresses. This indicates that the DNS resolution is failing, which is caused by the VPN server not correctly pushing DNS server settings to the VPN clients. Without proper DNS configuration, clients cannot translate domain names (e.g., internal server names or internet URLs) into IP addresses, even though the network layer connectivity (ping to IPs) works.
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.
- ✗
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses, but the issue is name resolution, not IP assignment.
- ✓
DNS
- ✗
IPsec
- ✗
SSL/TLS
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap in this CompTIA A+ question is that candidates often confuse connectivity (ping to IPs works) with full network functionality, and incorrectly assume the issue is with the VPN tunnel encryption (IPsec) or authentication (SSL/TLS), rather than recognizing that name resolution is a separate service that relies on DNS configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When a VPN server pushes DNS settings, it typically uses DHCP over the virtual interface or the VPN protocol's own configuration payload (e.g., PPP IPCP or IKEv2 configuration payload). If the pushed DNS server addresses are incorrect, unreachable, or the client is not configured to accept them, name resolution fails. A common real-world scenario is when the VPN server pushes an internal DNS server that is not reachable from the client's local network, or when split tunneling is misconfigured, causing DNS queries to go to the wrong resolver.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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.
- →
Network Protocols — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Network Protocols 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?
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS — The correct answer is B (DNS) because the users can connect to the VPN and ping internal IP addresses, but cannot resolve hostnames to IP addresses. This indicates that the DNS resolution is failing, which is caused by the VPN server not correctly pushing DNS server settings to the VPN clients. Without proper DNS configuration, clients cannot translate domain names (e.g., internal server names or internet URLs) into IP addresses, even though the network layer connectivity (ping to IPs) works.
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.
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 →
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.