220-1101 Question 85
Single answer802.11 standardsA technician is upgrading wireless connectivity in a small office conference room where employees regularly join video meetings on newer laptops and tablets. The current 2.4 GHz-only access point becomes congested when several nearby offices are active, causing slow speeds and unstable calls. The office wants better throughput and less interference without replacing every client device immediately. Which 802.11 standard should the technician recommend for the new access point?
- A
802.11a
- B
802.11b
- C
802.11g
- D
802.11ac
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The key requirements in this scenario are improved throughput and reduced interference. In A+ Core 1, candidates are expected to recognize that 2.4 GHz networks are commonly more congested because of overlapping Wi-Fi networks and other devices such as Bluetooth equipment and microwaves. A standard using 5 GHz is therefore preferable in this situation. Among the listed choices, 802.11ac is the best recommendation because it is a modern 5 GHz standard with much higher performance than 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g. This aligns with common CompTIA A+ objectives covering 802.11 standards and their frequencies, speeds, and use cases. In practical deployments, technicians often choose dual-band or newer access points to maintain compatibility while giving capable clients access to faster, less congested 5 GHz service.
- A. Incorrect.
802.11a operates in the 5 GHz band, which can help avoid the crowded 2.4 GHz spectrum. However, it is an older standard with much lower maximum throughput than modern business wireless needs require. While it addresses interference better than 2.4 GHz-only standards, it is not the best recommendation for improving conference room performance today.
- B. Incorrect.
802.11b uses the 2.4 GHz band and offers very low maximum data rates compared with modern standards. Because the scenario specifically mentions congestion and interference from nearby activity, recommending 802.11b would make the problem worse rather than improve it. This option reflects the misconception that any Wi-Fi standard will work as long as devices can connect.
- C. Incorrect.
802.11g improves on 802.11b speeds but still uses the crowded 2.4 GHz band. Although it is backward compatible with many older devices, it does not meet the goal of reducing interference in a busy office environment. Someone might choose this because it seems like a safe compatibility option, but it does not address the root issue as effectively as a 5 GHz standard.
- D. Correct.
802.11ac is correct because it operates in the 5 GHz band and provides significantly higher throughput than older standards, making it well suited for video conferencing and multiple modern devices. It also helps reduce problems caused by congestion in the 2.4 GHz range. This makes it the best fit for an office that wants better performance while still supporting many current laptops and tablets.