Question 150 of 1,020

Wireless Networking Technologies →easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Weak Wi-Fi Signal (-85 dBm): Why Adding an Access Point Is Best

This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of wireless networking technologies. 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.

During a site survey for a new branch office, you measure signal strength in the conference room and find it is -85 dBm. The client devices require at least -67 dBm for reliable video conferencing. Which action is most appropriate?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.

A
Increase the transmit power of the existing access point to maximum.
Why wrong: While this may help slightly, it can cause co-channel interference and may not be enough to bridge the gap from -85 to -67 dBm.
B
Replace the client devices with ones that have better antennas.
Why wrong: This is impractical for multiple devices and does not address the root cause of poor AP placement.
C
Install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling.
Adding an AP provides local coverage, ensuring signal strength meets the -67 dBm requirement for video conferencing.
D
Change the channel on the existing AP to a less congested one.
Why wrong: Channel changes improve interference but do not increase signal strength; the signal is still too weak.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The correct answer is to install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling. A signal measured at -85 dBm is extremely weak, sitting near the noise floor where data retransmissions and packet loss become severe, making it unusable for real-time applications like video conferencing. The client requirement of -67 dBm represents a strong, reliable signal, and the only practical way to bridge that gap is to place an access point physically closer to the weak area, which reduces path loss and improves signal-to-noise ratio. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of site survey tools, signal strength thresholds, and the difference between extending a network (via repeaters) versus adding capacity (via access points). A common trap is choosing a range extender, but remember that extenders halve throughput and can introduce latency, while a wired access point preserves full bandwidth. Memory tip: think “-85 is a cry for help—add an AP on the ceiling shelf.”

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

✓

Install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling.

The measured signal strength of -85 dBm is well below the -67 dBm threshold required for reliable video conferencing. Installing an additional access point in the conference room ceiling is the most appropriate action because it reduces the distance and obstacles between the client devices and the AP, directly improving the received signal strength (RSSI) to meet the application's requirements. Simply increasing transmit power on the existing AP may cause co-channel interference and may not overcome path loss from distance or obstructions, while changing channels or replacing client antennas does not address the fundamental lack of signal coverage.

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.

✗
Increase the transmit power of the existing access point to maximum.
Why it's wrong here
While this may help slightly, it can cause co-channel interference and may not be enough to bridge the gap from -85 to -67 dBm.
✗
Replace the client devices with ones that have better antennas.
Why it's wrong here
This is impractical for multiple devices and does not address the root cause of poor AP placement.
✓
Install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling.
Why this is correct
Adding an AP provides local coverage, ensuring signal strength meets the -67 dBm requirement for video conferencing.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the channel on the existing AP to a less congested one.
Why it's wrong here
Channel changes improve interference but do not increase signal strength; the signal is still too weak.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

A common mistake is to think that increasing transmit power or changing channels can fix a weak signal problem. The correct solution for inadequate RSSI is to add more APs to reduce distance and path loss.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

In 802.11 networks, RSSI values are logarithmic; a 3 dB change represents a doubling or halving of power, so the 18 dB gap between -85 dBm and -67 dBm means the client is receiving roughly 63 times less power than needed. Path loss in indoor environments follows the log-distance model, where doubling the distance can cause 6 dB or more attenuation, making an additional AP the only reliable method to close this gap. Real-world site surveys often use tools like Ekahau or AirMagnet to generate heatmaps, ensuring that coverage overlaps by 15-20% to support seamless roaming and minimum RSSI thresholds for voice or video.

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.

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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: Install an additional access point in the conference room ceiling. — The measured signal strength of -85 dBm is well below the -67 dBm threshold required for reliable video conferencing. Installing an additional access point in the conference room ceiling is the most appropriate action because it reduces the distance and obstacles between the client devices and the AP, directly improving the received signal strength (RSSI) to meet the application's requirements. Simply increasing transmit power on the existing AP may cause co-channel interference and may not overcome path loss from distance or obstructions, while changing channels or replacing client antennas does not address the fundamental lack of signal coverage.

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: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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