- A
Managed switch
Why wrong: A managed switch provides wired switching and VLAN support but does not include wireless access.
- B
Wireless router
A wireless router combines a switch, router, and wireless access point, and many support VLANs for guest network isolation.
- C
Wireless access point
Why wrong: A wireless access point only provides wireless connectivity; it does not include a wired switch.
- D
Hub
Why wrong: A hub is a simple repeater that does not support VLANs or wireless, and is unsuitable for a modern network.
Question 559 of 1,020
220-1201 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 small office has a single internet connection and needs to provide wired network access to 20 computers. They also need to allow guests to connect wirelessly but keep the guest traffic separate from the internal network. Which single device can handle both wired switching and wireless access with VLAN support?
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
✓
Wireless router
A wireless router (often a small business or SOHO router) integrates a switch, a router, and a wireless access point into one device. It can provide wired switching for the 20 computers and wireless access for guests, and with VLAN support, it can isolate guest traffic from the internal network using 802.1Q tagging or built-in guest network features. This makes it the single device that meets all the requirements.
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.
- ✗
Managed switch
Why it's wrong here
A managed switch provides wired switching and VLAN support but does not include wireless access.
- ✓
Wireless router
Why this is correct
A wireless router combines a switch, router, and wireless access point, and many support VLANs for guest network isolation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Wireless access point
Why it's wrong here
A wireless access point only provides wireless connectivity; it does not include a wired switch.
- ✗
Hub
Why it's wrong here
A hub is a simple repeater that does not support VLANs or wireless, and is unsuitable for a modern network.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a wireless access point (which only bridges wireless to wired) with a wireless router (which includes routing, switching, and wireless), leading them to choose Option C despite its lack of integrated switching and VLAN support.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A wireless router with VLAN support typically uses 802.1Q trunking to separate guest traffic from internal traffic, often assigning the guest network to a different VLAN ID (e.g., VLAN 10) and the internal network to another (e.g., VLAN 1). The router's built-in DHCP server can serve different IP subnets per VLAN, and inter-VLAN routing is disabled or restricted via ACLs to prevent guest access to internal resources. In a real-world deployment, this allows the office to provide internet-only access to guests while keeping sensitive internal devices isolated.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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.
- →
Common Networking Hardware — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Common Networking Hardware 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?
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Wireless router — A wireless router (often a small business or SOHO router) integrates a switch, a router, and a wireless access point into one device. It can provide wired switching for the 20 computers and wireless access for guests, and with VLAN support, it can isolate guest traffic from the internal network using 802.1Q tagging or built-in guest network features. This makes it the single device that meets all the requirements.
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.