- A
The drive is formatted with FAT32 instead of NTFS.
Why wrong: File system format affects maximum file size and some performance, but it does not cause a 35 MB/s speed cap; that is a USB protocol limitation.
- B
The front-panel USB port is internally connected to a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard.
This is the most likely cause because connecting a USB 3.0 device to a USB 2.0 header forces the device to operate at USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps, roughly 35-40 MB/s).
- C
The hard drive is failing and needs to be replaced.
Why wrong: A failing drive would show errors, bad sectors, or inconsistent speeds, not a consistent cap at 35 MB/s. The speed matches USB 2.0, not a hardware failure.
- D
The USB 3.0 driver is not installed in the operating system.
Why wrong: Missing USB 3.0 drivers would cause the device to not work at all or fall back to USB 2.0, but the scenario describes a consistent 35 MB/s, which is exactly USB 2.0 speed, not a driver issue.
220-1101 Storage Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of storage devices. 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 customer reports that their external USB 3.0 hard drive is only achieving transfer speeds of about 35 MB/s, far below the expected 5 Gbps. The drive is connected to a USB 3.0 port on the front of the computer case. What is the most likely cause of this performance issue?
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.
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
The front-panel USB port is internally connected to a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard.
This question tests understanding of USB standards and cable/connector compatibility. USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) requires a cable with 9 pins, but if the case's front-panel header or cable is wired for USB 2.0 only (4 pins), the device will fall back to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps, ~35 MB/s). The correct answer is that the front-panel USB port is internally connected to a USB 2.0 header.
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 drive is formatted with FAT32 instead of NTFS.
Why it's wrong here
File system format affects maximum file size and some performance, but it does not cause a 35 MB/s speed cap; that is a USB protocol limitation.
- ✓
The front-panel USB port is internally connected to a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard.
Why this is correct
This is the most likely cause because connecting a USB 3.0 device to a USB 2.0 header forces the device to operate at USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps, roughly 35-40 MB/s).
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 hard drive is failing and needs to be replaced.
Why it's wrong here
A failing drive would show errors, bad sectors, or inconsistent speeds, not a consistent cap at 35 MB/s. The speed matches USB 2.0, not a hardware failure.
- ✗
The USB 3.0 driver is not installed in the operating system.
Why it's wrong here
Missing USB 3.0 drivers would cause the device to not work at all or fall back to USB 2.0, but the scenario describes a consistent 35 MB/s, which is exactly USB 2.0 speed, not a driver issue.
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
Command / output trap
A failing drive would show errors, bad sectors, or inconsistent speeds, not a consistent cap at 35 MB/s. The speed matches USB 2.0, not a hardware failure.
Scenario analysis trap
Missing USB 3.0 drivers would cause the device to not work at all or fall back to USB 2.0, but the scenario describes a consistent 35 MB/s, which is exactly USB 2.0 speed, not a driver issue.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
- →
Storage Devices — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Storage Devices practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Storage Devices — This question tests Storage Devices — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The front-panel USB port is internally connected to a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard. — This question tests understanding of USB standards and cable/connector compatibility. USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) requires a cable with 9 pins, but if the case's front-panel header or cable is wired for USB 2.0 only (4 pins), the device will fall back to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps, ~35 MB/s). The correct answer is that the front-panel USB port is internally connected to a USB 2.0 header.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.