The correct cable to use is a DisplayPort to DVI-D cable, as it directly connects the thin client’s DisplayPort output to the monitor’s DVI-D input without requiring any adapters. This works because both DisplayPort and DVI-D are purely digital standards; the cable simply maps the digital signals from one interface to the other, so no active conversion or power is needed. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of video interface compatibility and the difference between digital and analog signals—a common trap is confusing DVI-D (digital) with DVI-A (analog) or DVI-I (integrated), which would require an active converter for DisplayPort. A solid memory tip is to remember that “D” in DVI-D stands for “digital,” and DisplayPort is also digital, so a direct cable works like a handshake between two digital friends.
220-1201 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. 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 deploying a new thin client in a hospital room. The thin client has a DisplayPort output, but the existing monitor only has a DVI-D input. The technician needs a single cable to connect them without adapters. Which cable type should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DisplayPort to DVI-D cable
DisplayPort and DVI-D are both digital standards. A DisplayPort to DVI-D cable can directly connect the two, as DisplayPort is compatible with DVI-D signals. No active conversion is needed because both are digital.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
DisplayPort to VGA cable
Why it's wrong here
VGA is analog, while DVI-D is digital. This cable would not work without an active converter, and the monitor does not have VGA.
✗
HDMI to DVI-D cable
Why it's wrong here
This cable would require an HDMI output from the thin client, but it has DisplayPort, not HDMI.
✓
DisplayPort to DVI-D cable
Why this is correct
This cable connects the thin client's DisplayPort to the monitor's DVI-D input directly, using a compatible digital signal.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
DVI-D to DVI-D cable
Why it's wrong here
The thin client does not have a DVI-D output, so this cable cannot connect.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This cable would require an HDMI output from the thin client, but it has DisplayPort, not HDMI.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DisplayPort to DVI-D cable — DisplayPort and DVI-D are both digital standards. A DisplayPort to DVI-D cable can directly connect the two, as DisplayPort is compatible with DVI-D signals. No active conversion is needed because both are digital.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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