220-1101 Question 26
Single answerPort replicatorA sales manager uses a laptop at her desk with an external monitor, USB keyboard, USB mouse, and wired Ethernet. She wants to be able to connect and disconnect the laptop quickly several times a day without plugging in each cable individually. The laptop model supports a proprietary bottom-mounted connector designed for office expansion accessories. Which solution should the technician recommend?
- A
Install a port replicator designed for that laptop model
- B
Replace the laptop battery with a higher-capacity battery
- C
Configure a Bluetooth PAN for network access and input devices
- D
Add a mini-PCIe wireless card for external monitor support
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best recommendation is a port replicator matched to the laptop model. On A+ Core 1, port replicators are associated with quickly connecting a portable computer to multiple peripherals in a fixed workspace. They are commonly used in office environments where users frequently dock and undock. A port replicator typically exposes ports such as USB, video, and Ethernet through one mechanical connection, reducing wear on individual laptop ports and improving convenience. This aligns with standard laptop accessory best practices documented by manufacturers, which specify model-compatible docking or port replication solutions for supported laptops.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A port replicator is made to simplify docking and undocking by providing commonly used connections such as video, USB, and network through a single attachment point. In this scenario, the laptop already supports a proprietary connector for an expansion accessory, which is exactly the use case for a port replicator or docking-style solution.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A higher-capacity battery may improve runtime but does nothing to simplify connecting an external display, keyboard, mouse, and Ethernet at a desk. This option addresses portability, not cable management or rapid workstation connection.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Bluetooth PAN is not an appropriate replacement for the described desk setup. It would not provide a practical wired Ethernet equivalent, and it would not solve the need for external display connectivity. This reflects the misconception that wireless connectivity can replace all docking functions.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A mini-PCIe wireless card is used for internal expansion such as Wi-Fi in supported systems, not for adding external monitor support or consolidating multiple desk connections. This option confuses internal component upgrades with docking and port replication features.