- A
The printer will work but only with devices that have a static IP
Why wrong: An invalid IP address will not work at all; it cannot communicate with any device on the network.
- B
The printer will automatically obtain a valid IP via DHCP
Why wrong: If an invalid static IP is configured, the printer will not fall back to DHCP; it will use the assigned address and fail.
- C
The printer will not be able to communicate on the network
192.168.1.256 is outside the valid 0-255 range, so the printer will have no network connectivity.
- D
The printer will cause an IP address conflict with the router
Why wrong: An IP conflict requires two devices with the same valid IP; an invalid IP cannot cause a conflict.
Question 95 of 1,020
220-1201 Network Configuration Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network configuration concepts. 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 small office has a single router with four LAN ports. The network uses 192.168.1.0/24. A new printer is assigned a static IP of 192.168.1.256. What will happen when the printer is connected?
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
✓
The printer will not be able to communicate on the network
Option C is correct because 192.168.1.256 is an invalid IPv4 address. In IPv4, each octet is an 8-bit number ranging from 0 to 255. The value 256 exceeds this limit, so the address is malformed. The printer will not be able to communicate on the network because its configured IP is outside the valid address space and cannot be used for any network communication.
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.
- ✗
The printer will work but only with devices that have a static IP
Why it's wrong here
An invalid IP address will not work at all; it cannot communicate with any device on the network.
- ✗
The printer will automatically obtain a valid IP via DHCP
Why it's wrong here
If an invalid static IP is configured, the printer will not fall back to DHCP; it will use the assigned address and fail.
- ✓
The printer will not be able to communicate on the network
Why this is correct
192.168.1.256 is outside the valid 0-255 range, so the printer will have no network connectivity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The printer will cause an IP address conflict with the router
Why it's wrong here
An IP conflict requires two devices with the same valid IP; an invalid IP cannot cause a conflict.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume 192.168.1.256 is a valid IP address because it looks similar to common private addresses, but Cisco tests the fundamental rule that IPv4 octets must be in the range 0–255.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers typically represented in dotted-decimal notation, where each octet is an 8-bit value (0–255). The address 192.168.1.256 has an octet of 256, which is not representable in 8 bits and is therefore invalid per RFC 791. When a device attempts to use such an address, the operating system or network stack will reject it at the interface level, preventing any ARP requests, IP packets, or other network communication from being sent or received.
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.
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 Configuration Concepts — This question tests Network Configuration Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The printer will not be able to communicate on the network — Option C is correct because 192.168.1.256 is an invalid IPv4 address. In IPv4, each octet is an 8-bit number ranging from 0 to 255. The value 256 exceeds this limit, so the address is malformed. The printer will not be able to communicate on the network because its configured IP is outside the valid address space and cannot be used for any network communication.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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