- A
The 5 GHz network is overloaded with users.
Why wrong: Overload would cause slow speeds, not disconnection, and the 2.4 GHz network would likely be similarly affected.
- B
The laptop's Wi-Fi adapter is faulty.
Why wrong: A faulty adapter would cause issues on both bands, not just 5 GHz.
- C
The 5 GHz signal has weaker penetration through walls.
5 GHz signals attenuate more quickly through obstacles like walls, causing disconnections at a distance.
- D
The access point is configured to prioritize 2.4 GHz traffic.
Why wrong: Prioritization would not cause disconnection; it would affect bandwidth allocation.
Question 272 of 1,020
5 GHz Wi-Fi Range vs 2.4 GHz Wall Penetration
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. 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 user's laptop frequently disconnects from a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network when they move to a room two walls away from the access point. The 2.4 GHz network remains stable throughout the office. Which of the following best explains this behavior?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the 5 GHz signal has weaker penetration through walls. This occurs because higher frequency radio waves, like those in the 5 GHz band, carry more data but are more easily absorbed and scattered by dense materials such as drywall, concrete, and wood, whereas the lower 2.4 GHz waves diffract and pass through obstacles more effectively, sacrificing speed for range and stability. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of the fundamental trade-offs between Wi-Fi frequency bands in real-world environments—a common trap is assuming that the faster band always provides better overall performance, when in fact its range and wall penetration are inferior. A helpful memory tip: think of 5 GHz as a sprinter—fast but easily blocked—while 2.4 GHz is a marathon runner, slower but able to push through barriers.
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 5 GHz signal has weaker penetration through walls.
The 5 GHz band uses higher frequency radio waves that attenuate more rapidly when passing through solid obstacles like walls, resulting in weaker signal penetration compared to the 2.4 GHz band. This physical property causes the laptop to disconnect from the 5 GHz network when moving two walls away, while the 2.4 GHz signal remains stable due to its longer wavelength and better ability to diffract around obstacles.
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 5 GHz network is overloaded with users.
Why it's wrong here
Overload would cause slow speeds, not disconnection, and the 2.4 GHz network would likely be similarly affected.
- ✗
The laptop's Wi-Fi adapter is faulty.
Why it's wrong here
A faulty adapter would cause issues on both bands, not just 5 GHz.
- ✓
The 5 GHz signal has weaker penetration through walls.
Why this is correct
5 GHz signals attenuate more quickly through obstacles like walls, causing disconnections at a distance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The access point is configured to prioritize 2.4 GHz traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Prioritization would not cause disconnection; it would affect bandwidth allocation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the misconception that 5 GHz is 'better' in all scenarios, trapping candidates who overlook the fundamental physics of signal propagation and attenuation at higher frequencies.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Overload would cause slow speeds, not disconnection, and the 2.4 GHz network would likely be similarly affected.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 5 GHz band operates at higher frequencies (5.15–5.85 GHz) with shorter wavelengths (~6 cm) that are more easily absorbed by building materials like drywall, concrete, and metal, while 2.4 GHz (2.4–2.4835 GHz) has longer wavelengths (~12 cm) that diffract more effectively. In real-world deployments, this is why enterprise Wi-Fi designs often use dual-band access points with band steering to encourage 5 GHz use for high throughput in close proximity, but fall back to 2.4 GHz for range and wall penetration.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
- →
Mobile Device Connection Methods — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Mobile Device Connection Methods 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?
Mobile Device Connection Methods — This question tests Mobile Device Connection Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 5 GHz signal has weaker penetration through walls. — The 5 GHz band uses higher frequency radio waves that attenuate more rapidly when passing through solid obstacles like walls, resulting in weaker signal penetration compared to the 2.4 GHz band. This physical property causes the laptop to disconnect from the 5 GHz network when moving two walls away, while the 2.4 GHz signal remains stable due to its longer wavelength and better ability to diffract around obstacles.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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.