- A
The phone's Wi-Fi antenna is damaged.
Why wrong: Other devices connect fine, so the antenna is not the issue.
- B
The phone is using the wrong security protocol.
WPA2-PSK uses a shared key, while WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X authentication.
- C
The router's SSID is hidden.
Why wrong: Other devices connect, so the SSID is not hidden.
- D
The phone's MAC address is filtered.
Why wrong: MAC filtering would block all connections, but other devices connect.
Question 429 of 750
Why a Smartphone Configured for WPA2-PSK Cannot Connect to WPA2-Enterprise
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security 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.
A user reports that their smartphone cannot connect to the office Wi-Fi, but other devices can. The network uses WPA2-Enterprise with PEAP-MSCHAPv2. The technician checks the phone's settings and sees that it is configured for WPA2-PSK. What is the most likely reason for the connection failure?
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.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the phone is using the wrong security protocol. WPA2-PSK relies on a single pre-shared key for all devices, while WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X authentication, requiring unique credentials like a username and password or a digital certificate. When a smartphone configured for WPA2-PSK attempts to connect to a WPA2-Enterprise network, it never sends the proper authentication handshake, so the access point rejects the connection. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless security modes and their authentication differences—a common trap is assuming all WPA2 networks are the same. Remember the memory tip: “PSK is a single key for everyone; Enterprise checks each person individually.”
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 phone is using the wrong security protocol.
The phone is configured for WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key), but the office network uses WPA2-Enterprise with PEAP-MSCHAPv2. WPA2-Enterprise requires 802.1X authentication with a RADIUS server, using EAP methods like PEAP-MSCHAPv2, while WPA2-PSK uses a single shared passphrase. The mismatch in security protocols prevents the phone from completing the 4-way handshake, causing the connection failure.
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 phone's Wi-Fi antenna is damaged.
Why it's wrong here
Other devices connect fine, so the antenna is not the issue.
- ✓
The phone is using the wrong security protocol.
- ✗
The router's SSID is hidden.
Why it's wrong here
Other devices connect, so the SSID is not hidden.
- ✗
The phone's MAC address is filtered.
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering would block all connections, but other devices connect.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between WPA2-PSK and WPA2-Enterprise, trapping candidates who assume all WPA2 configurations are interchangeable or that the issue is a simple connectivity problem like a hidden SSID or MAC filter.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X authentication, where the client (supplicant) must authenticate via EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) to a RADIUS server. PEAP-MSCHAPv2 creates a TLS tunnel for secure credential exchange, whereas WPA2-PSK relies on a static PMK derived from the passphrase. The phone's attempt to use PSK will fail at the 4-way handshake because the AP expects EAPOL-Key frames with an 802.1X authentication phase, not a direct PSK-derived key.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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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Wireless Security Protocols — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The phone is using the wrong security protocol. — The phone is configured for WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key), but the office network uses WPA2-Enterprise with PEAP-MSCHAPv2. WPA2-Enterprise requires 802.1X authentication with a RADIUS server, using EAP methods like PEAP-MSCHAPv2, while WPA2-PSK uses a single shared passphrase. The mismatch in security protocols prevents the phone from completing the 4-way handshake, causing the connection failure.
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.
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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