Access Point for Connecting Mobile Devices to a Home Network
Short answer
C Use an access point to provide the wireless connectivity that mobile devices need to join a home network.
Question
Key Takeaways
The question tests the role of basic networking hardware devices, and the trap is picking infrastructure that serves a different layer: modems bring in the internet, switches only forward wired traffic, and patch panels only organize cabling.
This CompTIA A+ 220-1201 question asks which networking hardware connects wireless mobile devices to a home network. The access point is the correct device because it bridges Wi-Fi clients such as phones and tablets into the wired home network.
Common mistake: The most common wrong choice is B, switch. Learners assume any central home-network box will accept phones and tablets, but a switch provides wired Ethernet ports only and does not offer a wireless radio for mobile devices to join.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
An access point (AP) provides the wireless (Wi-Fi) radio layer that mobile devices such as phones and tablets use to associate with a home network. Once associated, the AP bridges or switches that wireless traffic onto the wired LAN, giving wireless clients access to the router, internet, and local resources. In a typical SOHO deployment, mobile devices join the SSID broadcast by the access point (often integrated into the wireless router), which is exactly the doorway described for connecting mobile devices to a home network. This maps directly to objective 2.5's requirement to compare and contrast common networking hardware devices and their purposes.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. A cable modem terminates the coaxial service-line connection from the ISP and converts it for use by a router; it is an internet-connection device, not something mobile devices attach to for Wi-Fi. B. A switch forwards Ethernet frames between wired devices only; without a separate AP or wireless radio it cannot host mobile devices at all. D. A patch panel is a passive termination and cable-organization point in a wiring closet or rack; it performs no wireless function and mobile devices cannot connect to it directly.
Community Comment Notes
The single community comment agreed with option C, explaining that "Phones/tablets need Wi-Fi, and the access point gives wireless devices a doorway into the home network." This matches the CompTIA hardware-role definitions and my independent analysis, so the learner consensus and the correct answer here align.
Exam Strategy
When a question names the client device type (mobile, wireless), immediately narrow to options with a wireless radio function. Eliminate any device whose primary job is internet delivery (modem), wired-only forwarding (switch), or passive cable organization (patch panel).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a switch not enough to connect mobile devices to a home network?
What does the cable modem do in a home network setup?
Discussion 1 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 1
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acf9805 👍 1 Answered C500. C — Access point 🧸 Phones/tablets need Wi-Fi, and the access point gives wireless devices a doorway into the home network. 📱📶🏠
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