- A
Replace the printer with a wired model
Why wrong: This is an expensive and unnecessary solution when a simple configuration change may fix the issue.
- B
Change the router’s 2.4 GHz channel
Why wrong: Changing channels might reduce interference but microwaves often affect the entire 2.4 GHz band, so it may not fully solve the problem.
- C
Connect the printer to the 5 GHz network
5 GHz is not affected by microwave interference, so moving the printer to that band will stop the disconnections.
- D
Update the printer firmware
Why wrong: Firmware updates are unlikely to fix interference from a microwave; the issue is physical, not software-related.
Question 208 of 1,020
220-1201 Wireless Networking Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. 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 wireless printer stops responding when the microwave is in use. The printer is connected via Wi-Fi to a dual-band router. Which troubleshooting step should the technician take first to resolve this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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 the printer to the 5 GHz network
The microwave oven operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, generating broadband interference that disrupts Wi-Fi communication on that frequency. Connecting the printer to the 5 GHz network avoids this interference entirely because the 5 GHz band is not affected by microwave emissions, providing a clean channel for the printer.
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.
- ✗
Replace the printer with a wired model
Why it's wrong here
This is an expensive and unnecessary solution when a simple configuration change may fix the issue.
- ✗
Change the router’s 2.4 GHz channel
Why it's wrong here
Changing channels might reduce interference but microwaves often affect the entire 2.4 GHz band, so it may not fully solve the problem.
- ✓
Connect the printer to the 5 GHz network
Why this is correct
5 GHz is not affected by microwave interference, so moving the printer to that band will stop the disconnections.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Update the printer firmware
Why it's wrong here
Firmware updates are unlikely to fix interference from a microwave; the issue is physical, not software-related.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume changing the 2.4 GHz channel (Option B) will solve the interference, but they overlook that microwave interference is broadband and affects all 2.4 GHz channels, making frequency migration to 5 GHz the only effective first step.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Microwave ovens emit unmodulated RF energy at approximately 2.45 GHz, which falls directly within the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band (2.400–2.4835 GHz). This interference is broadband and can saturate the receiver front-end, causing packet loss and disconnections. Dual-band routers support simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation; the 5 GHz band (5.150–5.825 GHz) is far removed from the microwave frequency, so it remains unaffected. In practice, many modern printers and IoT devices default to 2.4 GHz for range, but forcing them onto 5 GHz (if supported) is the most direct mitigation.
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
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.
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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: Connect the printer to the 5 GHz network — The microwave oven operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, generating broadband interference that disrupts Wi-Fi communication on that frequency. Connecting the printer to the 5 GHz network avoids this interference entirely because the 5 GHz band is not affected by microwave emissions, providing a clean channel for the printer.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
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.
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