220-1101 Question 315
Single answerDevice connectivityA technician is setting up a conference room laptop to display video on a new 4K monitor and use a wired network connection at the same desk. The laptop has one USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery, but no built-in RJ-45 port or HDMI port. The user wants to connect the monitor at full native resolution and also connect to Ethernet without carrying multiple adapters. Which of the following is the BEST solution?
- A
Use a USB-C docking station that provides DisplayPort or HDMI video output and an RJ-45 Ethernet port
- B
Use a passive USB-C-to-USB-A adapter, then connect a USB-A hub with VGA and Ethernet ports
- C
Use a Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter and a separate USB-to-Ethernet adapter
- D
Use a Thunderbolt eGPU enclosure because any USB-C port can provide video and Ethernet through it
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is a USB-C docking station that explicitly supports video output and Ethernet over the laptop's USB-C connection. In real-world A+ troubleshooting and deployment, technicians must verify both the connector type and the port capabilities. USB-C is only the physical connector; the actual supported functions depend on the device implementation. Because the laptop supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, it can output video through a compatible dock or adapter. Because it lacks a built-in Ethernet port, a dock with integrated RJ-45 is the most practical single-device solution. This aligns with manufacturer documentation and common best practices: confirm whether the USB-C port supports Alt Mode, Power Delivery, or Thunderbolt before selecting accessories, and avoid assuming physical connector compatibility guarantees protocol compatibility.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A USB-C docking station designed for USB-C systems with DisplayPort Alt Mode can carry video to the external monitor and also provide wired Ethernet through an integrated RJ-45 port. This is the best fit for the scenario because it consolidates both required connections into a single device and matches the laptop's documented USB-C capabilities. Many modern docks also support power delivery, reducing cable clutter further.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A passive USB-C-to-USB-A adapter only changes the physical connection and does not preserve USB-C alternate modes such as DisplayPort Alt Mode. In addition, VGA is an analog video standard and is not appropriate for a new 4K monitor at full native resolution. This option reflects the common misconception that any adapter chain can convert USB-C into all other functions without active support for video standards.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Mini DisplayPort requires a Mini DisplayPort output on the source device, which the laptop does not have. Although a separate USB-to-Ethernet adapter could provide wired networking, this choice does not meet the user's goal of avoiding multiple adapters and is based on a connector the laptop lacks.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Thunderbolt and USB-C use the same connector shape, but not every USB-C port supports Thunderbolt. The scenario specifies DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery, not Thunderbolt. Assuming all USB-C ports support all USB-C or Thunderbolt accessories is a common device-connectivity mistake. An eGPU enclosure is also unnecessary and impractical for this requirement.