- A
Omnidirectional antennas on 2.4 GHz
Why wrong: Omnidirectional antennas spread signal in all directions, reducing effective range and throughput for a point-to-point link.
- B
Yagi antennas on 2.4 GHz
Why wrong: Yagi antennas are directional but 2.4 GHz has less bandwidth and more interference, making 1 Gbps unlikely.
- C
Parabolic dish antennas on 5 GHz
Parabolic dishes provide high gain and narrow beamwidth, ideal for long-distance links, and 5 GHz offers higher data rates to achieve 1 Gbps.
- D
Patch antennas on 5 GHz
Why wrong: Patch antennas are semi-directional but typically have lower gain than parabolic dishes, which may not sustain 1 Gbps over 500 meters.
Question 439 of 1,020
Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge: Choosing 5 GHz and Directional Antennas
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 technician is deploying a point-to-point wireless bridge between two buildings 500 meters apart. The link must support at least 1 Gbps throughput. Both buildings have clear line of sight. Which antenna type and frequency combination is most appropriate?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Quick Answer
The answer is a parabolic dish antenna on the 5 GHz frequency band. This combination is correct because directional antennas like parabolic dishes provide the high gain and narrow beamwidth needed to focus the signal over the 500-meter distance, while the 5 GHz band offers higher data capacity and less congestion than 2.4 GHz, making it capable of supporting the required 1 Gbps throughput. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of wireless standards and antenna selection for point-to-point bridges; a common trap is choosing 2.4 GHz due to its longer range, but the exam emphasizes that 5 GHz with a directional antenna is superior for high-speed, long-distance links when line of sight is clear. Remember the memory tip: “5 GHz for speed, dish for distance.”
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
✓
Parabolic dish antennas on 5 GHz
A point-to-point bridge over 500 meters requiring 1 Gbps throughput needs high-gain, directional antennas and a frequency band with sufficient bandwidth. Parabolic dish antennas on 5 GHz provide the necessary high gain (typically 20-30 dBi) and utilize the wider 5 GHz channel bandwidth (up to 80 or 160 MHz) to achieve gigabit speeds, while maintaining a narrow beamwidth to focus the signal between the two buildings.
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.
- ✗
Omnidirectional antennas on 2.4 GHz
Why it's wrong here
Omnidirectional antennas spread signal in all directions, reducing effective range and throughput for a point-to-point link.
- ✗
Yagi antennas on 2.4 GHz
Why it's wrong here
Yagi antennas are directional but 2.4 GHz has less bandwidth and more interference, making 1 Gbps unlikely.
- ✓
Parabolic dish antennas on 5 GHz
Why this is correct
Parabolic dishes provide high gain and narrow beamwidth, ideal for long-distance links, and 5 GHz offers higher data rates to achieve 1 Gbps.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Patch antennas on 5 GHz
Why it's wrong here
Patch antennas are semi-directional but typically have lower gain than parabolic dishes, which may not sustain 1 Gbps over 500 meters.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap in CompTIA A+ is assuming that 2.4 GHz is always better for long distances due to lower attenuation, but for high-throughput point-to-point links, 5 GHz with high-gain directional antennas (like parabolic dishes) is required to achieve gigabit speeds. 2.4 GHz lacks sufficient channel bandwidth and is more prone to interference.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Parabolic dish antennas achieve high gain by focusing the radio signal into a very narrow beam (typically 5-10 degrees), which minimizes path loss and allows for higher modulation schemes like 256-QAM or 1024-QAM. On 5 GHz, the 802.11ac/ax standards support channel bonding up to 160 MHz, providing the raw data rate needed for 1 Gbps real-world throughput after accounting for overhead. In real-world deployments, factors like Fresnel zone clearance (60% or more) and antenna alignment tolerance become critical at this distance and frequency.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Wireless Networking Technologies — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Wireless Networking Technologies 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?
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: Parabolic dish antennas on 5 GHz — A point-to-point bridge over 500 meters requiring 1 Gbps throughput needs high-gain, directional antennas and a frequency band with sufficient bandwidth. Parabolic dish antennas on 5 GHz provide the necessary high gain (typically 20-30 dBi) and utilize the wider 5 GHz channel bandwidth (up to 80 or 160 MHz) to achieve gigabit speeds, while maintaining a narrow beamwidth to focus the signal between the two buildings.
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: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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.