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220-1201 Practice Question: A small office uses a network printer that…
A small office uses a network printer that supports both IPP and LPD printing. The printer is configured to use the default port for IPP. Which port must be open on the firewall for printing to work?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common trap in CompTIA A+ exams is confusing IPP (port 631) with LPD (port 515) or HTTP (port 80) since IPP is HTTP-based. Candidates may incorrectly choose port 515 assuming all network printing uses LPD, or port 80 thinking IPP uses standard HTTP.
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
✓
631
IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) uses TCP port 631 by default, as defined in RFC 2911. Since the printer is configured to use the default port for IPP, the firewall must allow inbound traffic on port 631 for printing to function.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
515
Why it's wrong here
Port 515 is the LPD/LPR line printer daemon port. The printer is configured for IPP, whose default port is 631, so 515 is irrelevant here. It tempts because the printer supports LPD, but the stem specifies IPP is the configured protocol, making 515 the wrong service.
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9100
Why it's wrong here
Port 9100 is the raw JetDirect/AppSocket printing port, not IPP. The printer is configured for IPP, whose default port is 631, so 9100 would not carry that traffic. It tempts because 9100 is common for direct network printing, but only when raw socket printing is selected.
- ✓
631
Why this is correct
IPP uses TCP port 631 by default, so the firewall must permit traffic on that port for the printer to accept jobs. LPD would instead require port 515, but the printer is configured for IPP, making 631 the required rule.
- ✗
80
Why it's wrong here
Port 80 serves HTTP web traffic, not IPP. IPP's default port is 631, so opening 80 leaves printing blocked. It tempts because IPP URLs resemble HTTP and some IPP implementations can tunnel over port 80, but the default IPP configuration uses 631.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Printer Technologies: Laser, Inkjet, Thermal, Impact
Key term
Network printer
A network printer is a printer that is connected to a network, allowing multiple users and computers to send print jobs to it over the network rather than requiring a direct cable connection to a single computer.
Key term
Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules to protect trusted internal networks from untrusted external networks.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.