220-1101 Question 204
Single answerThunderboltA video editor connects a Thunderbolt 3 docking station to a Windows laptop by using a USB-C cable. The dock powers on and charges the laptop, but the two external monitors connected to the dock remain blank and the high-speed external SSD attached to the dock is not detected. The laptop's USB devices work through the dock. Which action is the BEST next step to resolve the issue?
- A
Replace the current cable with a certified Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 cable
- B
Install a DisplayPort driver for each external monitor on the laptop
- C
Replace the dock with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 docking station
- D
Disable USB power delivery in the laptop BIOS/UEFI
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question tests a common A+ Core 1 troubleshooting scenario involving Thunderbolt and USB-C. Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 commonly use the USB-C connector, but connector shape alone does not guarantee Thunderbolt capability. A USB-C cable may support charging and standard USB data while failing to support Thunderbolt's higher-bandwidth features such as PCIe tunneling, fast external storage access, and multi-display output. When a dock charges the laptop and basic USB peripherals work but displays and high-speed Thunderbolt storage do not, a non-Thunderbolt or insufficiently capable cable is a likely cause. Best practice is to verify that the laptop port, dock, and cable all support the required Thunderbolt standard and features. This aligns with vendor guidance from Intel and major system manufacturers, which emphasize using certified Thunderbolt cables and verifying port capabilities when troubleshooting incomplete dock functionality.
- A. Correct.
Correct. This scenario strongly suggests the current USB-C cable supports USB data and charging but not full Thunderbolt functionality. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 use the USB-C connector, but not every USB-C cable supports Thunderbolt signaling, high-bandwidth PCIe devices, or full video output capability. Replacing it with a certified Thunderbolt cable is the best next troubleshooting step because the dock partially works, indicating the dock and port may be functional while the cable is limiting features.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Monitors connected through a Thunderbolt dock do not typically require a separate DisplayPort driver per monitor on the laptop. Video output through the dock depends more on the host port, dock capability, graphics support, and cable capability. A technician might choose this option because the symptom involves displays, but the missing SSD and working USB devices point to a transport or connectivity limitation rather than a monitor driver issue.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A USB 3.2 Gen 2 dock would not be the best replacement for a Thunderbolt workflow that includes multiple displays and a high-speed external SSD. In fact, replacing the dock could reduce available bandwidth and features. The current symptoms are more consistent with using a non-Thunderbolt USB-C cable or another Thunderbolt path issue, not proof that the Thunderbolt dock itself is the wrong type.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. USB Power Delivery allows charging over the USB-C connection and is already functioning in this scenario. Disabling power delivery would not restore Thunderbolt data paths or video output. Someone might choose this option if they suspect a power negotiation problem, but the evidence shows power is working while higher-bandwidth functions are not.