The answer is a biometric fingerprint reader, because it uses a unique physical trait that cannot be lost or stolen, directly addressing the requirement for no key replacement. Unlike key cards or traditional locks, biometric access control systems authenticate users through inherent characteristics like fingerprints or retina patterns, so if a credential is lost, there is no need to reissue or reprogram anything—the person simply re-scans. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of physical security controls and the trade-offs between convenience and management overhead; a common trap is choosing a smart card system, which still requires replacement if a card is lost. Remember the memory tip: “Biometrics = Body as the Badge,” meaning the user’s own body eliminates the need for any replaceable token.
220-1202 Physical Security Controls Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 configuring a new server room and needs to ensure that only authorized personnel can physically access it. The company wants a solution that does not require replacement of keys or cards if one is lost. Which access control method best meets this requirement?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement a biometric fingerprint reader
Biometric systems use unique physical traits (fingerprint, retina) that cannot be lost or easily duplicated. This eliminates the need to reissue credentials if a card or key is lost, though biometrics have their own management challenges.
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.
✗
Use a combination lock
Why it's wrong here
Combinations can be shared or forgotten, and if compromised, must be changed and re-communicated to all users.
✓
Implement a biometric fingerprint reader
Why this is correct
Biometrics are tied to the individual and cannot be lost, so no reissuance is needed if a card is lost.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Install a smart card system
Why it's wrong here
Smart cards can be lost, requiring deactivation and reissuance, which does not meet the requirement.
✗
Use a keypad with a PIN code
Why it's wrong here
PINs can be forgotten or shared, and if compromised, must be reset, which is similar to key management issues.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
PINs can be forgotten or shared, and if compromised, must be reset, which is similar to key management issues.
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 220-1202 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 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a biometric fingerprint reader — Biometric systems use unique physical traits (fingerprint, retina) that cannot be lost or easily duplicated. This eliminates the need to reissue credentials if a card or key is lost, though biometrics have their own management challenges.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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