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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is configuring a remote desktop…
A technician is configuring a remote desktop solution for a user who needs to access their Windows workstation from home. Which port must be forwarded on the router for RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between RDP (port 3389) and VNC (port 5900). Candidates may confuse these two common remote desktop protocols since both provide graphical remote access but use different default ports.
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
✓
3389
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses TCP port 3389 by default to establish a graphical interface connection to a Windows workstation. Forwarding this port on the home router allows the technician to route incoming RDP traffic from the internet to the specific internal IP address of the target Windows machine, enabling remote access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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22
Why it's wrong here
Port 22 is the standard port for the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, which provides secure remote command-line access and file transfer capabilities. While it enables remote access, SSH operates at a different layer and offers text-based interaction, fundamentally distinct from the graphical desktop experience provided by RDP. Therefore, it is not used for configuring a remote desktop solution.
- ✓
3389
Why this is correct
Port 3389 is the well-known default port specifically designated for the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This protocol allows a user to connect to another computer over a network and view its graphical desktop interface, enabling full remote control of a Windows operating system. Configuring RDP for remote desktop solutions inherently involves ensuring this port is open and accessible.
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5900
Why it's wrong here
Port 5900 is commonly associated with Virtual Network Computing (VNC), a distinct remote access protocol that provides cross-platform graphical desktop sharing. While VNC also facilitates remote desktop functionality, it uses a different underlying protocol and client/server architecture than RDP. Consequently, a technician configuring an RDP solution would not utilize port 5900.
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443
Why it's wrong here
Port 443 is the standard port for HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which is used for secure communication over a computer network, primarily for web browsing. This protocol encrypts HTTP traffic, ensuring secure data exchange between a web browser and a website. HTTPS has no direct functional relationship with the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or its services.
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Learn chapter
Internet Connection Types
Key term
RDP
Remote Desktop Protocol is a Microsoft protocol that lets you connect to and control another computer over a network as if you were sitting in front of it.
Key term
Route
A route is a path that data takes through a network from one device or network to another, determined by routing protocols and configured rules.
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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.