hardMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is configuring a new database server…
A technician is configuring a new database server that needs to accept remote connections from client applications using the default port for MySQL. Which port should be opened in the firewall?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests default port numbers for common services, and the trap is confusing MySQL's 3306 with SQL Server's 1433, Oracle's 1521, or PostgreSQL's 5432 — candidates who memorize only one or two ports often pick the wrong one.
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
✓
3306
MySQL's default port for client connections is 3306, so the firewall must allow inbound TCP traffic on that port for remote clients to reach the database server. This is the standard IANA-registered port for MySQL and is used unless the administrator explicitly changes it in the MySQL configuration file. Opening 3306 is the correct action for enabling remote MySQL connectivity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
1433
Why it's wrong here
Port 1433 is the well-known default TCP port specifically designated for Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) instances. When a client application needs to connect to an MSSQL database, it typically attempts to establish a connection over this port. Therefore, it is incorrect for configuring a MySQL database server, which utilizes a different standard port for its operations.
- ✗
1521
Why it's wrong here
The default TCP port 1521 is primarily associated with Oracle Database servers, serving as the standard listener port for client connections. Oracle's Net Services components, such as the listener process, typically monitor this port for incoming requests from database clients. Consequently, attempting to configure a MySQL server on port 1521 would be incorrect, as MySQL uses its own distinct default port.
- ✓
3306
Why this is correct
Port 3306 is the universally recognized default TCP port for MySQL database connections, facilitating communication between MySQL client applications and the MySQL server daemon. When configuring a new MySQL database server, this port is typically opened in firewalls and specified in client connection strings to allow proper access. Therefore, selecting 3306 is the correct choice for establishing standard connectivity to a MySQL instance.
- ✗
5432
Why it's wrong here
Port 5432 is the standard default TCP port utilized by PostgreSQL database servers for client-server communication. PostgreSQL clients, such as `psql` or applications using `libpq`, are configured to connect to this port by default when establishing a session with a PostgreSQL instance. As such, it is not the correct port for a MySQL database server, which operates on a different, dedicated port.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
DNS and DHCP Configuration for A+
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.
Key term
TCP
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a core internet protocol that ensures data is sent reliably and in order between devices over a network.
About these practice questions
One of 871 original 220-1201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.