- A
Client-server network; the TV cannot authenticate to the server.
Why wrong: In a client-server network, a central server manages resources, but the scenario doesn't mention a server, and the TV can access the internet, so authentication is unlikely the issue.
- B
Peer-to-peer network; the TV and PC may be in different workgroups or have disabled file sharing.
Peer-to-peer networks rely on each device sharing resources directly; mismatched workgroups or disabled sharing prevent local access while internet access remains unaffected.
- C
Mesh network; the TV is connected to a different mesh node that blocks local traffic.
Why wrong: Mesh networks extend Wi-Fi coverage but do not inherently block local traffic between devices on the same subnet; this is a peer-to-peer sharing issue.
- D
PAN network; the TV is using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi.
Why wrong: A PAN (Personal Area Network) uses Bluetooth or USB, but the TV is connected via Wi-Fi and can stream from the internet, so this is not a PAN.
220-1201 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. 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 customer reports that their smart TV, which is connected to the home network via Wi-Fi, can stream video from the internet but cannot access media files stored on a wired desktop PC in the same home. The TV and PC are on the same IP subnet. Which network type is most likely being used, and why does this cause 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 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
Peer-to-peer network; the TV and PC may be in different workgroups or have disabled file sharing.
Option B is correct because a peer-to-peer (P2P) network typically uses workgroups and relies on each device to share resources individually. The TV can stream from the internet (using a client-server model with a remote streaming service) but cannot access local files because the PC may be in a different workgroup, have file sharing disabled, or require SMB/CIFS authentication that the TV cannot perform. Since both devices are on the same IP subnet, the issue is not routing but rather the lack of a centralized authentication or discovery mechanism, which is characteristic of a P2P 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.
- ✗
Client-server network; the TV cannot authenticate to the server.
Why it's wrong here
In a client-server network, a central server manages resources, but the scenario doesn't mention a server, and the TV can access the internet, so authentication is unlikely the issue.
- ✓
Peer-to-peer network; the TV and PC may be in different workgroups or have disabled file sharing.
Why this is correct
Peer-to-peer networks rely on each device sharing resources directly; mismatched workgroups or disabled sharing prevent local access while internet access remains unaffected.
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.
- ✗
Mesh network; the TV is connected to a different mesh node that blocks local traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Mesh networks extend Wi-Fi coverage but do not inherently block local traffic between devices on the same subnet; this is a peer-to-peer sharing issue.
- ✗
PAN network; the TV is using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi.
Why it's wrong here
A PAN (Personal Area Network) uses Bluetooth or USB, but the TV is connected via Wi-Fi and can stream from the internet, so this is not a PAN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that 'same subnet equals automatic file access,' leading candidates to overlook the workgroup and file-sharing configuration differences inherent in peer-to-peer networks.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
In a client-server network, a central server manages resources, but the scenario doesn't mention a server, and the TV can access the internet, so authentication is unlikely the issue.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a peer-to-peer network, file sharing typically uses the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol over TCP port 445, and devices must be in the same workgroup (default: WORKGROUP) with network discovery and file sharing enabled. Smart TVs often implement limited SMB clients that may only support SMBv1 (deprecated due to security issues) or require guest access, while modern Windows PCs disable SMBv1 and require authentication, causing the TV to fail to enumerate shares. A common real-world scenario is that the TV can see the PC but cannot connect because the PC's firewall blocks SMB ports or the TV's SMB version is incompatible.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Types — This question tests Network Types — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Peer-to-peer network; the TV and PC may be in different workgroups or have disabled file sharing. — Option B is correct because a peer-to-peer (P2P) network typically uses workgroups and relies on each device to share resources individually. The TV can stream from the internet (using a client-server model with a remote streaming service) but cannot access local files because the PC may be in a different workgroup, have file sharing disabled, or require SMB/CIFS authentication that the TV cannot perform. Since both devices are on the same IP subnet, the issue is not routing but rather the lack of a centralized authentication or discovery mechanism, which is characteristic of a P2P network.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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