Quick Answer
The answer is TCP port 3389, which is the default port for Remote Desktop Protocol. RDP relies on this port to establish a secure, graphical connection to a remote Windows workstation, making it the correct choice when forwarding a router for remote desktop access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish common network protocols and their associated ports, often appearing alongside traps like port 22 for SSH, port 5900 for VNC, or port 443 for HTTPS. The exam expects you to know that RDP is the native Windows solution, and memorizing its default port is essential for both troubleshooting and configuration scenarios. A simple memory tip: think of "3389" as "three three eight nine" — the number 3 appears twice, just like the two R's in "Remote Desktop," and 89 is close to 90, reminding you that VNC uses 5900 instead.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of tcp & udp ports. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is configuring a remote desktop solution for a user who needs to access their Windows workstation from home. Which port must be forwarded on the router for RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)?
22
Why wrong: Port 22 is used for SSH, not RDP.
3389
Port 3389 is the default port for RDP, used for remote desktop connections to Windows.
5900
Why wrong: Port 5900 is used by VNC, not RDP.
443
Why wrong: Port 443 is HTTPS, not RDP.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
3389
RDP uses TCP port 3389 by default. Port 22 is SSH, port 5900 is VNC, and port 443 is HTTPS. RDP is the standard for Windows remote desktop.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
22
Why it's wrong here
Port 22 is used for SSH, not RDP.
3389
Why this is correct
Port 3389 is the default port for RDP, used for remote desktop connections to Windows.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
5900
Why it's wrong here
Port 5900 is used by VNC, not RDP.
443
Why it's wrong here
Port 443 is HTTPS, not RDP.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
TCP & UDP Ports — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
TCP & UDP Ports — This question tests TCP & UDP Ports — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 3389 — RDP uses TCP port 3389 by default. Port 22 is SSH, port 5900 is VNC, and port 443 is HTTPS. RDP is the standard for Windows remote desktop.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a network upgrade, a technician needs to allow remote desktop connections to Windows workstations from the internal network. Which port must be opened in the firewall?
mediumWhy C: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses port 3389 by default. Opening this port allows remote desktop connections to Windows machines.
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.