The answer is that the hub does not support Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth. This is the most likely limitation because Thunderbolt 3 provides up to 40 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth, which is necessary to drive two 4K displays at full resolution (60 Hz), while a standard USB-C hub using DisplayPort Alt Mode is typically limited to a single 4K output or lower resolutions due to its maximum 10–20 Gbps throughput. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of display connectivity and bandwidth constraints, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse physical connector compatibility (USB-C) with protocol support (Thunderbolt 3). Remember: just because a USB-C cable fits doesn’t mean it carries Thunderbolt’s full bandwidth—think of USB-C as the shape, Thunderbolt as the speed. A handy memory tip is “Two 4Ks need 40 Gbps—USB-C alone can’t cope.”
220-1201 Mobile Device Accessories Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. 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 user has a laptop that supports Thunderbolt 3 and wants to connect two external 4K monitors at full resolution. They currently have a single USB-C hub that only supports DisplayPort over USB-C. What is the most likely limitation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
The laptop's graphics card cannot drive two 4K monitors.
Why wrong: If the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, it likely has a capable GPU, but the issue is with the hub, not the laptop.
B
The hub does not support Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth.
Thunderbolt 3 requires a compatible dock to deliver the necessary bandwidth (40 Gbps) for dual 4K displays; a standard USB-C hub may only support single display or lower resolutions.
C
The monitors are not compatible with USB-C.
Why wrong: Monitors with DisplayPort or HDMI can be adapted, but the hub's limitation is the bottleneck.
D
The user needs a USB-C to HDMI adapter for each monitor.
Why wrong: Adapters would not solve the bandwidth issue; a Thunderbolt 3 dock is necessary.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The hub does not support Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth.
Thunderbolt 3 supports dual 4K displays, but a standard USB-C hub may not have the bandwidth or proper support for multiple high-resolution displays. A Thunderbolt 3 dock is required for full functionality. The correct answer is the hub does not support Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth.
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.
✗
The laptop's graphics card cannot drive two 4K monitors.
Why it's wrong here
If the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, it likely has a capable GPU, but the issue is with the hub, not the laptop.
✓
The hub does not support Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth.
Why this is correct
Thunderbolt 3 requires a compatible dock to deliver the necessary bandwidth (40 Gbps) for dual 4K displays; a standard USB-C hub may only support single display or lower resolutions.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The monitors are not compatible with USB-C.
Why it's wrong here
Monitors with DisplayPort or HDMI can be adapted, but the hub's limitation is the bottleneck.
✗
The user needs a USB-C to HDMI adapter for each monitor.
Why it's wrong here
Adapters would not solve the bandwidth issue; a Thunderbolt 3 dock is necessary.
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.
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.
Mobile Device Accessories — This question tests Mobile Device Accessories — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The hub does not support Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth. — Thunderbolt 3 supports dual 4K displays, but a standard USB-C hub may not have the bandwidth or proper support for multiple high-resolution displays. A Thunderbolt 3 dock is required for full functionality. The correct answer is the hub does not support Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 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?
hard
A.A USB-C to dual HDMI adapter
✓ B.A Thunderbolt 3 docking station
C.A USB 3.0 hub with HDMI and Ethernet
D.A KVM switch
Why B: A Thunderbolt 3 docking station provides high bandwidth (40 Gbps) to support dual 4K displays, Ethernet, and power delivery over a single cable. A USB-C hub may not have enough bandwidth for dual 4K output, and a USB-C to HDMI adapter alone cannot provide Ethernet or charging. A KVM switch is for sharing peripherals between computers, not for this purpose.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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