Question 308 of 750
Logical Security ConceptsmediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Enabling VPN Server on Firewall for Secure Remote Access

This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. 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.

A technician is configuring a new firewall for a small office. They need to allow remote employees to securely access the internal network. Which technology should be enabled on the firewall?

Quick Answer

The answer is to enable a VPN server on the firewall. A VPN server creates an encrypted tunnel between a remote user and the internal network, ensuring that all data transmitted over the internet remains confidential and secure from eavesdropping. This is the standard method for providing firewall VPN server remote access, as it authenticates users and protects sensitive company resources. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of secure remote connectivity versus less secure alternatives like port forwarding or plain Remote Desktop Protocol. A common trap is confusing a VPN server with a simple port forward—remember that a VPN adds encryption and authentication, not just access. For a memory tip, think of the VPN as a “secure tunnel” through the firewall: it wraps your data in a protective layer before it travels across the public internet.

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

VPN server

A VPN server on the firewall enables secure remote access by encrypting traffic between remote employees and the internal network, typically using protocols like IPsec or SSL/TLS. This provides authenticated, encrypted tunnels that protect data in transit, which is the standard solution for secure remote connectivity.

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.

  • Port forwarding

    Why it's wrong here

    Port forwarding exposes internal services to the internet without encryption, which is not secure for remote access.

  • VPN passthrough

    Why it's wrong here

    VPN passthrough allows existing VPN connections to traverse the firewall but does not create a VPN server.

  • VPN server

    Why this is correct

    A VPN server on the firewall enables remote users to establish encrypted connections to the internal network.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • DMZ

    Why it's wrong here

    A DMZ hosts public-facing services and does not provide secure remote access to the internal network.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates confuse 'VPN passthrough' (which only forwards existing VPN traffic) with 'VPN server' (which terminates and creates VPN connections), leading them to select option B when the question explicitly asks for enabling secure remote access.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

A firewall acting as a VPN server typically supports IPsec (IKEv1/IKEv2) or SSL/TLS (OpenVPN, SSTP) to establish encrypted tunnels. The firewall authenticates users via credentials, certificates, or multi-factor authentication, and applies access control policies (e.g., split tunneling or full tunneling) to restrict which internal resources remote clients can reach. In real-world deployments, this is common in small offices where a dedicated VPN appliance is cost-prohibitive.

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 220-1202 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.

Quick reference

VPN Protocol Comparison

ProtocolPortEncryptionAuthenticationUse Case
IKEv2 / IPsecUDP 500 / 4500AES-256Certificates / PSKSite-to-site & remote access
SSL / TLS VPNTCP 443TLS 1.3Certificates / MFAClientless remote access
L2TP / IPsecUDP 1701AES (IPsec)PSK / CertificatesLegacy remote access
WireGuardUDP 51820ChaCha20Public keysModern high-performance VPN
PPTPTCP 1723MPPE (weak)MS-CHAPv2Legacy — avoid in production

PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.

What to study next

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1202 question test?

Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: VPN server — A VPN server on the firewall enables secure remote access by encrypting traffic between remote employees and the internal network, typically using protocols like IPsec or SSL/TLS. This provides authenticated, encrypted tunnels that protect data in transit, which is the standard solution for secure remote connectivity.

What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

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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This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.