The correct connection method is to connect the printer to the network using an Ethernet cable. This choice is technically sound because a network connection allows the multifunction printer (MFP) to obtain its own IP address and communicate directly with all devices on the same subnet, enabling simultaneous shared access without relying on a single host computer. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network versus peripheral connectivity—a common trap is assuming USB is sufficient for sharing, but USB is limited to a single directly attached computer and cannot serve multiple users on a subnet. To remember, think of the phrase “Ethernet for everyone, USB for one”—if the goal is to connect an MFP to the network for shared access across a workgroup, Ethernet is the only method that provides true network-level accessibility.
220-1201 Multifunction Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of multifunction devices. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 company deploys a new multifunction printer that supports both USB and network connectivity. The printer is installed in a conference room and must be accessible to all employees on the same subnet. Which connection 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
✓
Connect the printer to the network using an Ethernet cable
This question assesses understanding of connectivity options for shared multifunction devices. A network connection (Ethernet) allows multiple users on the same subnet to access the printer simultaneously. USB is limited to a single directly connected computer.
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 the nearest workstation
Why it's wrong here
USB connection would only allow that one workstation to use the printer, not all employees.
✓
Connect the printer to the network using an Ethernet cable
Why this is correct
Ethernet provides network access, enabling any user on the subnet to print, scan, or use other functions.
Such adapters are not standard for printers and would not provide reliable network sharing.
✗
Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer
Why it's wrong here
Wi-Fi Direct creates a point-to-point connection, not a shared network resource accessible to all users.
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.
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.
Multifunction Devices — This question tests Multifunction Devices — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Connect the printer to the network using an Ethernet cable — This question assesses understanding of connectivity options for shared multifunction devices. A network connection (Ethernet) allows multiple users on the same subnet to access the printer simultaneously. USB is limited to a single directly connected computer.
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 deploying an MFP that supports both USB and network connectivity. The office wants all users on the network to be able to print and scan from the device. Which connection method should the technician use?
easy
A.USB connection to a single workstation
✓ B.Ethernet connection to the network switch
C.Bluetooth connection to each user's device
D.Parallel port connection to a print server
Why B: Network connectivity (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) allows multiple users to access the MFP simultaneously, while USB is limited to a single directly connected computer. For shared access in an office, network is required.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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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.
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