- A
DNS
DNS translates domain names to IP addresses; if the AP or its clients have incorrect DNS server settings, browsing by name fails even though IP connectivity exists.
- B
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP provides IP configuration, and since users can access local resources and ping by IP, DHCP is likely working.
- C
ICMP
Why wrong: ICMP is used for ping; it is working correctly as shown by the successful ping test.
- D
ARP
Why wrong: ARP resolves MAC addresses on the local network; it is functioning if local resources are accessible.
Question 39 of 1,020
220-1201 Network Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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.
During a network upgrade, a technician installs a new wireless access point. Users on the new AP can access local resources but cannot browse the internet. The technician verifies that the AP has a valid IP address and can ping an external website by IP address. Which protocol is most likely misconfigured?
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
✓
DNS
The technician can ping an external website by IP address, which confirms that IP routing, ICMP, and internet connectivity are working. However, users cannot browse the internet, which typically relies on domain name resolution. Since the AP has a valid IP address and local resources are accessible, the most likely misconfiguration is DNS, as the AP or its clients are not receiving the correct DNS server addresses to resolve domain names to IP addresses.
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.
- ✓
DNS
Why this is correct
DNS translates domain names to IP addresses; if the AP or its clients have incorrect DNS server settings, browsing by name fails even though IP connectivity exists.
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.
- ✗
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP provides IP configuration, and since users can access local resources and ping by IP, DHCP is likely working.
- ✗
ICMP
Why it's wrong here
ICMP is used for ping; it is working correctly as shown by the successful ping test.
- ✗
ARP
Why it's wrong here
ARP resolves MAC addresses on the local network; it is functioning if local resources are accessible.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between IP connectivity (verified by ping to an IP) and name resolution (DNS), leading candidates to incorrectly suspect DHCP or routing issues when the real problem is DNS misconfiguration.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
ICMP is used for ping; it is working correctly as shown by the successful ping test.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DNS resolution typically uses UDP port 53 for queries and TCP port 53 for zone transfers. When a DNS server is misconfigured or unreachable, clients may still have IP connectivity but fail to resolve hostnames, causing browser failures despite successful pings by IP. In enterprise networks, DNS is often provided by internal servers that must be correctly specified in DHCP scope options or statically configured on the AP.
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.
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?
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS — The technician can ping an external website by IP address, which confirms that IP routing, ICMP, and internet connectivity are working. However, users cannot browse the internet, which typically relies on domain name resolution. Since the AP has a valid IP address and local resources are accessible, the most likely misconfiguration is DNS, as the AP or its clients are not receiving the correct DNS server addresses to resolve domain names to IP addresses.
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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