The answer is to assign a static IP address to the printer. This configuration method ensures the printer has a permanent, unchanging address on the network, which is essential for a network printer setup without a print server because all users on the same subnet must connect directly to that IP. If DHCP were used, the printer’s address could change after a power cycle or lease renewal, breaking every user’s connection and requiring reconfiguration. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of direct network printing versus server-based printing; a common trap is assuming DHCP is always easier, but for a printer that must be reliably discoverable, a static IP is the simplest and most stable solution. Remember the memory tip: “Static keeps it automatic” — a static IP means the printer’s address stays fixed, so user connections stay automatic.
220-1201 Printers Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of printers. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 new network printer for a department. The printer needs to be accessible to all users on the same subnet without a dedicated print server. Which configuration method should the technician use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Assign a static IP address to the printer
Assigning a static IP address to the printer ensures it has a permanent address on the network, allowing all users on the subnet to connect directly. DHCP could change the IP, breaking connections. A static IP is the simplest method for direct network printing without a server.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Connect the printer via USB to a user's workstation and share it
Why it's wrong here
This creates a dependency on that user's computer being on and is not a true network printer solution.
✓
Assign a static IP address to the printer
Why this is correct
A static IP ensures the printer is always reachable at the same address on the subnet, enabling direct printing.
A short lease time could cause the printer's IP to change frequently, breaking user connections.
✗
Install a print server on a domain controller
Why it's wrong here
This adds unnecessary complexity and cost; the scenario specifies no dedicated print server is needed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
This adds unnecessary complexity and cost; the scenario specifies no dedicated print server is needed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Printers — This question tests Printers — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Assign a static IP address to the printer — Assigning a static IP address to the printer ensures it has a permanent address on the network, allowing all users on the subnet to connect directly. DHCP could change the IP, breaking connections. A static IP is the simplest method for direct network printing without a server.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 220-1201 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
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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. A technician is installing a new network printer in a corporate environment. The printer supports both USB and Ethernet connectivity. The office requires that all users on the same subnet be able to print without needing a dedicated print server. What configuration method should the technician use?
medium
A.Connect the printer via USB to a user's computer and share it from that computer.
✓ B.Configure the printer with a static IP address and connect it to the network switch via Ethernet.
C.Use a crossover cable to connect the printer directly to a user's computer.
D.Set up a Bluetooth connection for the printer.
Why B: To allow all users on a subnet to print without a dedicated server, the printer should be configured with a static IP address and connected via Ethernet. This makes it a network printer accessible by IP. USB connection would only allow local printing from one computer.
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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
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