Why can't a returning remote user access company resources on wireless?
A user returns to the office after working remotely for an extended period. The user is reporting limited access to the office wireless network and the inability to reach company resources on the network. The user connected to the guest network, ensured all patches were applied, and checked to make sure software was up to date. Which of the following is most likely the cause of the issue?
Community Votes
80% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
The exam tests whether you understand that NAC checks more than just patches, so a laptop can still be non-compliant and be quarantined to the guest network; the trap is assuming up-to-date software automatically makes it compliant.
A returning remote user who can connect to the guest network but cannot reach company resources is most likely restricted by a non-compliant NAC assessment. The community overwhelmingly agrees that NAC enforcement is the cause, since the user has already confirmed patches and software are up to date.
B (wireless passphrase cycled) is the most common wrong answer because it seems plausible after a long absence, but the user is already connected to the guest network, so the corporate SSID password is not the blocker—limited internal access points to NAC enforcement.
Community Discussion (12 comments)
Comments & Corrections
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
C is correct because a NAC appliance enforces security compliance policies and can place devices into a quarantine or guest VLAN if it deems them non-compliant. The user’s ability to connect to the guest network but not reach company resources is a classic NAC quarantine scenario. Up-to-date patches and software do not guarantee compliance, as NAC may also check for antivirus definitions, disk encryption, or recent policy updates.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A (laptop drivers) would cause general wireless connectivity issues, not a situation where the user can actively join the guest network. B (passphrase cycled) would prevent authentication to the corporate SSID, but the user is already on the guest network, so the passphrase is irrelevant. D (WAP transmit power) would cause a weak signal or dropped authentication, not the specific symptom of being limited to a guest network while unable to access internal resources.
Community Comment Notes
Multiple commenters correctly pointed out that a wrong passphrase would prohibit any connection, making B unlikely. Others shared real-world experience that NAC-based quarantine is a frequent occurrence, especially for devices that have been away for an extended period and may have missed compliance updates. One comment highlighted that the guest network is a fallback for non-compliant devices, which directly supports the correct answer.
Official Reference
Exam Strategy
When you see a user who can connect to a guest network but cannot reach internal resources, immediately think of NAC or VLAN isolation rather than Wi-Fi authentication issues. Focus on the distinction between being connected to a network and being authorized to access internal systems.