220-1101 Question 191
Single answer3.2 Summarize basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.A technician is setting up a new workstation for a graphic designer who needs to connect two 4K monitors to a docking station. The docking station supports video output over USB-C, and one of the monitors has only a USB-C input. The technician wants to use a single cable that can carry digital video, audio, data, and power between the dock and that monitor. Which cable should the technician choose?
- A
USB-C cable with DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB Power Delivery support
- B
HDMI cable with a USB-A adapter
- C
DVI-D cable with a USB-C converter
- D
VGA cable with a powered signal booster
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is a USB-C cable with DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB Power Delivery support because USB-C is designed to be a versatile connector that can carry data, video, audio, and power when supported by the connected devices and the cable. In real-world deployments, technicians must verify both connector type and feature support, because not every USB-C cable supports every function. This aligns with CompTIA A+ Core 1 objective 3.2, which expects candidates to understand cable types, connector features, and practical purposes. Industry best practices also emphasize checking manufacturer documentation for dock, monitor, and cable compatibility, especially for USB-C video modes and wattage requirements.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A USB-C cable can carry multiple signal types depending on device support. In this scenario, the dock supports video over USB-C, and the monitor has USB-C input, so a USB-C cable that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode can carry digital video and audio. If the cable and devices also support USB Power Delivery, the same cable can provide power, and USB-C can also carry data. This matches the requirement for a single cable handling video, audio, data, and power.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. HDMI carries digital video and audio, but it does not natively provide general USB data connectivity and is not the standard solution for supplying device power in this workstation-to-monitor USB-C scenario. Adding a USB-A adapter does not turn HDMI into a cable that combines all required functions.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. DVI-D carries digital video only. It does not carry audio in normal PC display use, and it does not provide USB data or power delivery. A converter may adapt the connector shape, but it does not add the missing capabilities required by the scenario.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. VGA is an analog video standard and does not carry digital audio, USB data, or power. A powered signal booster can help maintain analog signal strength over distance, but it does not change VGA into a multifunction cable suitable for a modern USB-C docking setup.