CompTIA 220-1201 Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

CompTIA 220-1201 Online Questions & Answers

• Question 381:

  Which of the following controls the flow of users connecting to web server farms and prevents overutilization on any individual server?

  A. Firewall
  B. Honeypot
  C. Load balancer
  D. Spam gateway
  C. Load balancer

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  Explanation

  A load balancer is a device or software that distributes network traffic across multiple servers or resources, such as web server farms, to optimize performance, reliability, and scalability. A load balancer controls the flow of users connecting to web server farms and prevents overutilization on any individual server by using various algorithms, such as round robin, least connections, or weighted distribution. A load balancer can also provide health checks, failover, caching, compression, encryption, and other features to enhance the user experience and security.

• Question 382:

  A company's directory services server is located on premises.

  Which of the following best describes the directory services infrastructure?

  A. Hybrid cloud
  B. Private cloud
  C. Public cloud
  D. Community cloud
  B. Private cloud

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  Explanation

  In CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) cloud concepts, the key differentiator between cloud deployment models is where the service is hosted and who owns/uses the underlying infrastructure. If a company's directory services server (for example, a domain controller providing authentication/authorization and centralized identity management) is located on premises, that points to infrastructure that is owned and operated by the organization for its own internal use. This aligns best with a private cloud model, which is defined as cloud resources dedicated to a single organization and can be implemented on-premises (internally hosted) or in a dedicated off-site environment. It is not a public cloud because public cloud services are hosted by a third-party provider and shared across multiple customers. It is not hybrid cloud because hybrid requires a mix of on-prem resources and public cloud resources working together (the question only specifies on-prem). It is not community cloud because that involves shared infrastructure among multiple organizations with common needs.

• Question 383:

  Which of the following cables can carry a video signal?

  A. MicroUSB
  B. USB-A
  C. MiniUSB
  D. USB-C
  D. USB-C

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  Explanation

  USB-C can carry a video signal because the USB-C connector supports Alternate Modes, most commonly DisplayPort Alt Mode, which allows the cable and port to transmit video (and often audio) to an external display. Many modern laptops, tablets, and phones use USB-C to output video to monitors, TVs, and docks. In addition, some USB-C ports support Thunderbolt (depending on the device), which can also carry display signals along with data and power. This makes USB-C a versatile "single-cable" solution for charging, data transfer, and external display connectivity-an important concept in CompTIA A+ Core 1 when identifying connector capabilities and choosing the correct cable type.

  The other options are not the best answer for standard video output in typical PC support scenarios.

  USB-A is a common data connector but does not natively carry a direct video signal like HDMI or DisplayPort (it would require an adapter that converts USB data to video). MicroUSB and MiniUSB were mainly designed for data and charging on older devices; while certain proprietary/legacy implementations existed, they are not the primary, modern, or expected video-carrying cable type in A+ objectives. Therefore, USB-C is the correct choice.

• Question 384:

  A technician needs to replace the connector on a data cable that uses two pairs of wires.

  Which of the following connectors should the technician use?

  A. RJ11
  B. F-type
  C. ST
  D. Molex
  A. RJ11

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  Explanation

  The correct answer is A. RJ11.

  According to CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 objectives under Networking:

  RJ11 connectors are commonly used for telephone lines and data cables that use two pairs of wires (four wires total).

  This connector is standard for analog telephone connections and DSL connections.

  Why the other options are incorrect:

  B. F-type: Used for coaxial cables, commonly in cable TV or broadband internet, not for two-pair data cables.

  C. ST: A type of fiber optic connector, not used for copper two-pair wiring.

  D. Molex: Primarily used for power connections in computer hardware, not for network or phone cabling.

  References:

  CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Objectives - Networking: "Given a scenario, install and configure cables and connectors including RJ11, RJ45, coaxial, and fiber." Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Certification Guide, 13th Edition, Chapter on Networking Cables and Connectors.

• Question 385:

  Which of the following should a technician create to assign a permanent IP address to a PC using DHCP?

  A. Reservation
  B. Lease
  C. Exclusion
  D. Scope option
  A. Reservation

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  Explanation

  DHCP normally assigns IP addresses dynamically using timed leases, meaning the address may change after expiration. However, many devices--such as servers, printers, or specialized workstations--require permanent , predictable IP addresses. CompTIA A+ identifies a DHCP reservation as the correct method for assigning a consistent IP while still using DHCP.

  A reservation binds a device's MAC address to a specific IP address in the DHCP server. Each time the device requests an address, the DHCP server recognizes the MAC address and issues the same IP. This provides reliability while still allowing centralized management of network addressing.

  A lease is temporary and not permanent. An exclusion simply removes certain IP addresses from the assignable pool--it does not assign any device a fixed address. A scope option configures additional network parameters such as DNS, gateway, or WINS settings but does not assign static IPs. Therefore, a reservation is the correct method to permanently assign an IP address using DHCP without requiring static configuration on the device itself.

• Question 386:

  Which of the following is designed to be used in commercial spaces?

  A. USB 3.1 Gen 2
  B. Straight tip fiber connector
  C. Plenum cabling
  D. Cat 8
  C. Plenum cabling

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  Explanation

  Plenum cabling is designed for use in commercial spaces where cables run through air ducts or plenum spaces, as it has fire-resistant properties and emits less toxic smoke.

  Why Not A (USB 3.1 Gen 2): USB is for peripheral connections, not large-scale commercial installations.

  Why Not B (Straight tip fiber connector): Fiber connectors are for high-speed connections but are not specifically for commercial spaces.

  Why Not D (Cat 8): While Cat 8 is high-speed, it is not uniquely suited for commercial spaces like plenum cabling.

  References:

  Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.1, cabling standards.

• Question 387:

  Which of the following devices forwards traffic based on MAC addresses?

  A. Switch
  B. Router
  C. Firewall
  D. Gateway
  A. Switch

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  Explanation

  A network switch operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model and forwards traffic using MAC addresses. CompTIA A+ teaches that switches maintain a MAC address table, learning which devices reside on each port. When a frame arrives, the switch checks the destination MAC address and forwards it only to the appropriate port, reducing unnecessary traffic and improving performance.

  Routers, on the other hand, operate at Layer 3 and forward traffic based on IP addresses , not MAC addresses. Firewalls inspect traffic for security policies and operate across multiple OSI layers but do not perform MAC-based forwarding. A gateway is a broad term that generally refers to a device connecting different networks or protocols, typically involving routing, not MAC-based switching.

  Thus, the device specifically responsible for forwarding frames based on MAC address lookup is the switch.

• Question 388:

  A technician must install a printer at a corporate office for all employees to use.

  Which of the following is the best option?

  A. Print server
  B. Bluetooth printing
  C. Cloud printing
  D. Wi-Fi Direct
  A. Print server

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  Explanation

  In a corporate office environment where multiple employees must share a single printer, the most efficient and manageable solution is a print server. A print server centralizes print management, queues print jobs, handles driver distribution, and provides access control. CompTIA A+ highlights print servers as the enterprise-standard method for managing shared printing resources because they ensure reliability, scalability, and better network performance. Bluetooth printing and Wi-Fi Direct are short-range, peer-to-peer technologies meant for one-to-one or small-scale printing. They lack user authentication management, enterprise security controls, and cannot efficiently support dozens or hundreds of print requests simultaneously. Cloud printing requires internet reliance and external service routing, which introduces latency, potential downtime, and privacy concerns--often unsuitable for corporate networks, especially those with sensitive internal documents.

  A print server allows users to connect to the printer through a standard network infrastructure (wired or wireless), and technicians can configure permissions, monitor print loads, and troubleshoot from a central location. It integrates seamlessly with enterprise directory services such as Active Directory, enabling controlled access and auditing. Because of these capabilities, the print server is the best professional-grade solution for corporate-wide printing needs.

• Question 389:

  The Chief Executive Officer wants to ensure company data is stored in a manner that provides the company with complete control over how the data is managed.

  Which of the following is the BEST cloud deployment model for this request?

  A. Community
  B. Hybrid
  C. Public
  D. Private
  D. Private

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  Explanation

  A private cloud deployment model provides the company with complete control over how the data is managed. This is because a private cloud is managed solely by the organization and resides on-premises or in a data center. Therefore, a private cloud deployment model is the best option for this scenario.

• Question 390:

  A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that displays a blank screen when the user turns it on. The technician shines a flashlight into the LCD and sees a faint image.

  Which of the following is the most likely cause of the issue?

  A. Defective inverter
  B. Incompatible video driver
  C. Incorrect input source
  D. Burned-out bulb
  A. Defective inverter

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  Explanation

  The most likely cause of the issue is a defective inverter. An inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) power from the laptop battery or adapter to the alternating current (AC) power that the LCD backlight bulb needs. The backlight bulb is a fluorescent lamp that illuminates the LCD screen and makes the image visible. If the inverter is defective, it may not provide enough power to the backlight bulb, or it may stop working intermittently. This can result in a dim, dark, or blank screen, even though the LCD panel is still functioning and displaying a faint image. To troubleshoot a defective inverter, the technician can follow these steps: Connect an external monitor to the laptop and check if the image is displayed normally. If the external monitor works fine, it means that the laptop video card and driver are not the cause of the issue. Shine a flashlight into the LCD screen and look for a faint image. If the image is visible, it means that the LCD panel is not the cause of the issue. Check the inverter cable and connector for any damage, loose connection, or corrosion. The inverter cable is a thin wire that runs from the laptop motherboard to the inverter board, which is usually located at the bottom of the LCD screen. The inverter connector is a small plug that connects the inverter cable to the inverter board. The technician can try to reseat the inverter cable and connector, or replace them if they are faulty. Check the inverter board for any damage, burn marks, or blown fuses. The inverter board is a small circuit board that contains the inverter and other components. The technician can try to test the inverter board with a multimeter, or replace it if it is defective.

  References:

  How to fix laptop screen flickering problem - Windows 101 How to Fix a Laptop Screen That's Flickering, Black, or Has Lines2.

  How to Fix a Dim Laptop Screen | Techwalla3.

  How to Test a Laptop Inverter | It Still Works4.

  How to Replace a Laptop Inverter Board | Chron.com5