Quick Answer
The correct choice is an HDMI to VGA adapter. This is necessary because HDMI carries a digital signal, while VGA is an analog standard, so the adapter must be an active converter that transforms the digital output from the laptop into the analog input required by the projector. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of legacy connector compatibility and signal conversion, often appearing as a straightforward hardware selection question. A common trap is confusing this with a simple passive cable, but remember that VGA’s analog nature demands active electronics inside the adapter. For a quick memory tip, think “Digital to Analog = Active Adapter” to recall that HDMI to VGA requires power to convert the signal.
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 setting up a conference room and needs to connect a laptop to a projector that only has a VGA input. The laptop has an HDMI output. Which adapter should the technician use?
HDMI to DVI adapter
Why wrong: DVI is digital and not compatible with VGA without conversion.
USB-C to VGA adapter
Why wrong: The laptop has HDMI output, not USB-C, so this adapter won't connect.
HDMI to VGA adapter
This adapter converts the digital HDMI signal to analog VGA, allowing connection to the projector.
DisplayPort to VGA adapter
Why wrong: The laptop outputs HDMI, not DisplayPort, so this adapter is not suitable.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
HDMI to VGA adapter
HDMI to VGA adapters are common for connecting modern laptops to older projectors. VGA is an analog signal, so the adapter must be active to convert digital HDMI to analog VGA. This question tests knowledge of legacy connector compatibility.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
HDMI to DVI adapter
Why it's wrong here
DVI is digital and not compatible with VGA without conversion.
USB-C to VGA adapter
Why it's wrong here
The laptop has HDMI output, not USB-C, so this adapter won't connect.
HDMI to VGA adapter
Why this is correct
This adapter converts the digital HDMI signal to analog VGA, allowing connection to the projector.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
DisplayPort to VGA adapter
Why it's wrong here
The laptop outputs HDMI, not DisplayPort, so this adapter is not suitable.
Common exam traps
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
The laptop has HDMI output, not USB-C, so this adapter won't connect.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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
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.
What to study next
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 — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Connectors 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
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: HDMI to VGA adapter — HDMI to VGA adapters are common for connecting modern laptops to older projectors. VGA is an analog signal, so the adapter must be active to convert digital HDMI to analog VGA. This question tests knowledge of legacy connector compatibility.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 →
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.