- A
The DHCP server is out of addresses.
Why wrong: Other devices work, so DHCP is fine; the issue is specific to this laptop.
- B
The DNS server address is incorrect.
Why wrong: DNS issues would affect name resolution after connection, not prevent association or authentication.
- C
The RADIUS server is offline.
Why wrong: If the RADIUS server were offline, no devices would connect, but others work.
- D
The 802.1X authentication method is set to PEAP instead of EAP-TLS.
A mismatch in the EAP method (e.g., requiring certificates but using passwords) will cause authentication failure for that client.
Question 45 of 1,020
220-1201 Network Services Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. 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 user complains that their laptop cannot connect to the company's wireless network, but other devices work fine. The network uses WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication. Which service is most likely misconfigured on the laptop?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 802.1X authentication method is set to PEAP instead of EAP-TLS.
Option D is correct because WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication requires the laptop to use a supplicant configured with the correct EAP method that matches the RADIUS server. If the laptop is set to PEAP (which uses a username/password or certificate) but the network requires EAP-TLS (which mandates client certificates), authentication will fail, preventing the laptop from connecting even though other devices with the correct configuration work fine.
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 DHCP server is out of addresses.
Why it's wrong here
Other devices work, so DHCP is fine; the issue is specific to this laptop.
- ✗
The DNS server address is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
DNS issues would affect name resolution after connection, not prevent association or authentication.
- ✗
The RADIUS server is offline.
Why it's wrong here
If the RADIUS server were offline, no devices would connect, but others work.
- ✓
The 802.1X authentication method is set to PEAP instead of EAP-TLS.
Why this is correct
A mismatch in the EAP method (e.g., requiring certificates but using passwords) will cause authentication failure for that client.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between authentication methods (PEAP vs. EAP-TLS) in 802.1X scenarios, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly blame a server-side issue (like RADIUS being offline) when the problem is actually a client-side supplicant configuration mismatch.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
EAP-TLS requires a client-side certificate installed on the laptop for mutual authentication with the RADIUS server, whereas PEAP uses a server-side certificate and tunnels inner EAP methods (like MS-CHAPv2). In enterprise environments, the network policy may enforce EAP-TLS for stronger security, and a mismatch in the supplicant's EAP method will cause the 802.1X handshake to fail at the EAP-Request/Response stage, even if the SSID and pre-shared key (PSK) are correct.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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 Services — This question tests Network Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 802.1X authentication method is set to PEAP instead of EAP-TLS. — Option D is correct because WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X authentication requires the laptop to use a supplicant configured with the correct EAP method that matches the RADIUS server. If the laptop is set to PEAP (which uses a username/password or certificate) but the network requires EAP-TLS (which mandates client certificates), authentication will fail, preventing the laptop from connecting even though other devices with the correct configuration work fine.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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