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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is configuring a tablet for field…
A technician is configuring a tablet for field workers who need to transfer large files to a central server. The tablet has a USB-C port. Which connection method provides the fastest data transfer speed?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is faster than wired USB connections, but the trap here is that even the fastest Wi-Fi 5 speeds (1.3 Gbps theoretical) are still far slower than USB 3.1 Gen 2's 10 Gbps, and real-world Wi-Fi throughput is even lower due to overhead and interference.
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
✓
USB 3.1 Gen 2 over USB-C
USB 3.1 Gen 2 over USB-C supports a maximum signaling rate of 10 Gbps, which is significantly faster than any wireless or NFC option. For transferring large files to a central server, this wired connection provides the highest throughput and lowest latency, making it the optimal choice for the scenario.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Bluetooth 5.0
Why it's wrong here
Bluetooth 5.0 is designed primarily for short-range, low-power connections, such as wireless headphones, keyboards, or IoT devices. While it offers improved range and efficiency over previous versions, its maximum theoretical data transfer rate of approximately 2 Mbps is far too slow for efficiently transferring large files, making it impractical for a field worker needing to move substantial data quickly.
- ✗
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Why it's wrong here
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) offers theoretical speeds up to 1.3 Gbps under ideal conditions, which is significantly faster than Bluetooth. However, its real-world performance is highly susceptible to environmental factors like signal interference, distance from the access point, and network congestion. For critical large file transfers, a wireless connection can be less reliable and often slower than a direct wired connection, especially when consistent high throughput is required.
- ✓
USB 3.1 Gen 2 over USB-C
Why this is correct
USB 3.1 Gen 2 over USB-C provides a robust and high-speed wired connection, supporting data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps. This makes it the fastest widely available wired interface for moving large files between devices, offering superior reliability and consistent performance compared to wireless alternatives. The USB-C connector also provides convenience with its reversible design and support for power delivery and alternate modes.
- ✗
NFC
Why it's wrong here
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a very short-range wireless technology, typically operating within a few centimeters, and offers extremely low data transfer speeds, around 424 kbps. It is primarily used for quick, proximity-based interactions like contactless payments, device pairing, or reading smart tags. Its limited range and minimal bandwidth make it entirely unsuitable for transferring large files, which demand significantly higher speeds and practical operating distances.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Internet Connection Types
Key term
Universal Serial Bus
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a standard interface that allows you to connect devices like keyboards, mice, storage drives, and printers to a computer for data transfer and power delivery.
Key term
NFC
Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless technology that lets two devices exchange data when they are held close together, typically within a few centimeters.
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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.