- A
Enable WPA3 encryption to reduce interference.
Why wrong: Encryption affects security, not interference; interference is a physical layer issue.
- B
Change the channel to 1 or 11.
Channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping; switching to a less congested one reduces co-channel interference.
- C
Set the channel width to 40 MHz.
Why wrong: 40 MHz width increases the chance of overlapping with adjacent channels, worsening interference.
- D
Disable the 2.4 GHz radio and use only 5 GHz.
Why wrong: This would solve interference but may not be practical if clients only support 2.4 GHz.
Question 519 of 1,020
2.4 GHz Channel Interference: Why Channels 1, 6, and 11 Are Best
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 site survey, a technician finds that a new access point on the 2.4 GHz band is experiencing heavy interference. The access point automatically selected channel 6. Which action should the technician take to minimize interference?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Quick Answer
The answer is to change the channel to 1 or 11. This is correct because in the 2.4 GHz band, channels 1, 6, and 11 are the only three non-overlapping channels, meaning their frequency ranges do not interfere with one another. When channel 6 is already congested, switching to either channel 1 or 11 avoids the overlapping interference that would occur on adjacent channels like 2, 3, 4, or 5. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of wireless spectrum management and site survey best practices—a common trap is assuming any channel works equally well, when in reality using non-overlapping channels is critical for minimizing co-channel interference. A simple memory tip: remember the “1-6-11 rule” as the only safe trio in the 2.4 GHz band, like three separate lanes on a highway that never cross.
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
✓
Change the channel to 1 or 11.
In the 2.4 GHz band, only channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping (each occupies 22 MHz with 5 MHz spacing). Since channel 6 is already experiencing heavy interference, moving to channel 1 or 11 avoids co-channel and adjacent-channel interference from other devices on or near channel 6, minimizing contention.
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.
- ✗
Enable WPA3 encryption to reduce interference.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption affects security, not interference; interference is a physical layer issue.
- ✓
Change the channel to 1 or 11.
Why this is correct
Channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping; switching to a less congested one reduces co-channel interference.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set the channel width to 40 MHz.
Why it's wrong here
40 MHz width increases the chance of overlapping with adjacent channels, worsening interference.
- ✗
Disable the 2.4 GHz radio and use only 5 GHz.
Why it's wrong here
This would solve interference but may not be practical if clients only support 2.4 GHz.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that any channel change will help, but the trap here is that only channels 1, 6, or 11 are non-overlapping in 2.4 GHz, so switching to a channel like 3 or 9 would actually increase adjacent-channel interference.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 2.4 GHz ISM band spans 2.400–2.4835 GHz, divided into 14 channels (only 11 usable in North America). Each channel is 22 MHz wide, but only 5 MHz apart, so only channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping. When an AP automatically selects channel 6 and encounters interference, manually switching to channel 1 or 11 ensures zero overlap with the original channel, reducing co-channel interference (CCI) and allowing better spatial reuse. In enterprise environments, a proper site survey using tools like Ekahau or AirMagnet would also check for non-Wi-Fi interferers (e.g., Bluetooth, microwaves) that may require additional mitigation.
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.
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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: Change the channel to 1 or 11. — In the 2.4 GHz band, only channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping (each occupies 22 MHz with 5 MHz spacing). Since channel 6 is already experiencing heavy interference, moving to channel 1 or 11 avoids co-channel and adjacent-channel interference from other devices on or near channel 6, minimizing contention.
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: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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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