hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is setting up a mobile workstation…
A technician is setting up a mobile workstation for a graphic designer who uses a laptop with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3. The designer needs to connect two 4K monitors, a wired Ethernet connection, and charge the laptop simultaneously. Which accessory should the technician choose?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that any USB-C adapter or hub can support dual 4K displays and charging, but only a Thunderbolt 3 docking station provides the necessary bandwidth and power delivery capabilities for this specific combination of requirements.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A Thunderbolt 3 docking station
A Thunderbolt 3 docking station is the correct choice because it provides sufficient bandwidth (up to 40 Gbps) to drive two 4K monitors simultaneously, includes a dedicated Ethernet port for wired networking, and delivers power delivery (PD) to charge the laptop—all through a single USB-C connection that is backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 3.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A USB-C to dual HDMI adapter
Why it's wrong here
A USB-C to dual HDMI adapter primarily facilitates video output from a laptop to two external displays. While it addresses the display requirement, it fundamentally lacks integrated power delivery to charge the mobile workstation and does not provide an Ethernet port for reliable wired network connectivity. This adapter would necessitate additional separate peripherals and power bricks, failing to offer the streamlined, single-cable solution desired for a comprehensive workstation setup.
- ✓
A Thunderbolt 3 docking station
Why this is correct
A Thunderbolt 3 docking station is specifically engineered to provide a comprehensive, single-cable solution for mobile workstations. Leveraging its 40 Gbps bandwidth, it simultaneously supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz, delivers power to charge the laptop, and integrates essential ports like Gigabit Ethernet and multiple USB peripherals. This robust connectivity consolidates all necessary functions, making it ideal for high-performance desktop replacement scenarios.
- ✗
A USB 3.0 hub with HDMI and Ethernet
Why it's wrong here
A USB 3.0 hub, even when equipped with HDMI and Ethernet ports, operates under the significant bandwidth limitation of 5 Gbps. This restricted throughput is generally insufficient to simultaneously drive dual 4K monitors at their optimal refresh rates while also managing high-speed data transfers and network traffic without performance compromises. Furthermore, a standard USB 3.0 hub typically does not provide power delivery to charge the connected laptop, requiring a separate power adapter.
- ✗
A KVM switch
Why it's wrong here
A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch serves the distinct purpose of allowing a single set of input devices and a monitor to control multiple computers, switching between them as needed. It is not designed to expand the port capabilities or provide power delivery to a single laptop. Therefore, a KVM switch would not add necessary USB ports, an Ethernet connection, or charging functionality to a mobile workstation, making it unsuitable for enhancing a single system's connectivity.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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