- A
Verify the default gateway on the workstation.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The default gateway is not needed for local subnet communication, and ping already works.
- B
Check if the web server's firewall is blocking HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
Correct. A firewall can block specific ports while allowing ICMP (ping), so checking port access is appropriate.
- C
Change the workstation's IP address to a different subnet.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Changing the subnet would break connectivity, not fix it.
- D
Replace the network cable between the workstation and switch.
Why wrong: Incorrect. A physical cable issue would likely cause ping to fail as well.
220-1201 IP Addressing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ip addressing. 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 technician is troubleshooting a network where a user cannot access a web server at 10.0.0.50. The user's workstation has an IP of 10.0.0.25 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. The technician pings 10.0.0.50 and gets a reply, but the web page does not load. What should the technician check next?
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
Check if the web server's firewall is blocking HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
The ping reply confirms Layer 3 connectivity between the workstation and the web server, so the issue is not with IP routing or the default gateway. Since the web page does not load despite successful ICMP echo replies, the problem is likely at Layer 4 or above, such as the web server's firewall blocking HTTP (port 80) or HTTPS (port 443) traffic. The technician should check the server's firewall rules to ensure these ports are open.
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.
- ✗
Verify the default gateway on the workstation.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The default gateway is not needed for local subnet communication, and ping already works.
- ✓
Check if the web server's firewall is blocking HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
- ✗
Change the workstation's IP address to a different subnet.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Changing the subnet would break connectivity, not fix it.
- ✗
Replace the network cable between the workstation and switch.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A physical cable issue would likely cause ping to fail as well.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The A+ exam often tests the distinction between Layer 3 connectivity (ping) and Layer 4+ application access, trapping candidates who assume a successful ping means the service is fully reachable.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ICMP (ping) operates at Layer 3 and does not require the web server's application-layer services to be running; a successful ping only indicates that the network stack is responsive. Web traffic uses TCP ports 80/443, which may be filtered by a host-based firewall (e.g., Windows Defender Firewall, iptables) even when ICMP is allowed. This scenario is common when a server's firewall is configured to permit ping for troubleshooting but blocks HTTP/HTTPS for security.
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?
IP Addressing — This question tests IP Addressing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check if the web server's firewall is blocking HTTP/HTTPS traffic. — The ping reply confirms Layer 3 connectivity between the workstation and the web server, so the issue is not with IP routing or the default gateway. Since the web page does not load despite successful ICMP echo replies, the problem is likely at Layer 4 or above, such as the web server's firewall blocking HTTP (port 80) or HTTPS (port 443) traffic. The technician should check the server's firewall rules to ensure these ports are open.
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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