220-1101 Question 433
Single answerPoor/no connectivityA technician is troubleshooting a Windows laptop that has poor wireless connectivity in a small office. The user reports that the laptop frequently disconnects from the Wi-Fi network and, when connected, browsing is very slow. Other users in the same area are not having problems. The technician verifies that the laptop can see the correct SSID and that the signal strength fluctuates between weak and fair at the user's desk. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step to improve connectivity?
- A
Reboot the office router to clear possible DHCP lease issues for all users
- B
Move the laptop closer to the access point and test connectivity for interference or range issues
- C
Replace the laptop's IP settings with a static IP address outside the DHCP scope
- D
Disable WPA2 encryption on the wireless network to reduce connection overhead
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The best next step is to verify whether the problem is caused by RF conditions such as distance, obstructions, or interference. In CompTIA A+ Core 1 troubleshooting, poor or intermittent Wi-Fi performance on a single client, especially when signal strength is weak or fluctuating, points first to range/interference rather than DHCP or router-wide failure. Practical troubleshooting includes moving closer to the access point, testing from another location, checking for sources of interference such as microwaves, Bluetooth-heavy areas, cordless phones, or dense building materials, and then evaluating whether the wireless adapter, antenna, or AP placement needs attention. This aligns with standard wireless troubleshooting practices documented by major vendors and Microsoft guidance for client connectivity issues: verify signal quality, isolate whether the issue is location-specific, and avoid unnecessary changes to IP addressing or security settings unless evidence supports those causes.
- A. Incorrect.
This is not the most appropriate next step because other users in the same area are not experiencing issues, which makes a router-wide DHCP problem less likely. DHCP lease problems typically cause inability to obtain an address or intermittent addressing conflicts, not weak and fluctuating signal strength tied to one device's location.
- B. Correct.
This is correct. The reported weak-to-fair fluctuating signal at a specific desk strongly suggests a wireless range or interference problem. A best-practice troubleshooting step is to change location and retest, which helps determine whether the issue is caused by distance from the access point, physical obstructions, or local radio interference from nearby devices.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect because assigning a static IP address would not resolve weak signal strength or radio interference. It could also create addressing conflicts or violate the organization's IP management practices if not coordinated properly. This option reflects a common misconception that all connectivity issues are IP configuration issues.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect and insecure. Disabling WPA2 would reduce network security and is not an appropriate troubleshooting step for poor signal quality. Encryption overhead is not a realistic cause of fluctuating signal strength in a normal office environment. Security settings should not be weakened to compensate for suspected RF coverage problems.