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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is installing a new network printer…
A technician is installing a new network printer in a corporate environment. The printer supports both USB and Ethernet connectivity. The office requires that all users on the same subnet be able to print without needing a dedicated print server. What configuration method should the technician use?
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
✓
Configure the printer with a static IP address and connect it to the network switch via Ethernet.
To allow all users on a subnet to print without a dedicated server, the printer should be configured with a static IP address and connected via Ethernet. This makes it a network printer accessible by IP. USB connection would only allow local printing from one computer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Connect the printer via USB to a user's computer and share it from that computer.
Why it's wrong here
Connecting a printer via USB to a single user's computer and sharing it makes that computer act as a print server. This method is inefficient and unreliable for a network printer because the host computer must remain powered on and operational for anyone to print, consuming its resources and creating a single point of failure for network printing services. Furthermore, it adds administrative overhead to the user's machine.
- ✓
Configure the printer with a static IP address and connect it to the network switch via Ethernet.
Why this is correct
Configuring the printer with a static IP address and connecting it directly to the network switch via Ethernet is the most robust and efficient solution for a shared network printer. This method allows the printer to operate as an independent network device, accessible by all users on the subnet without relying on a host computer. A static IP ensures consistent network availability and simplifies printer discovery and management for all connected clients.
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Use a crossover cable to connect the printer directly to a user's computer.
Why it's wrong here
Using a crossover cable to connect the printer directly to a single user's computer establishes a point-to-point connection, bypassing the network infrastructure. While useful for direct device communication without a switch, this setup does not allow other users on the network to access the printer. It isolates the printer to one machine, failing to meet the requirement for a shared network resource.
- ✗
Set up a Bluetooth connection for the printer.
Why it's wrong here
Setting up a Bluetooth connection for a network printer is impractical due to its inherent limitations in range, speed, and security for a multi-user environment. Bluetooth typically operates within a very short distance (e.g., 10 meters) and requires individual pairing with each client device, making it unsuitable for broad network accessibility. Its lower bandwidth compared to Ethernet also hinders efficient printing for multiple users.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Mobile Device Connectivity
Key term
Subnet
A subnet is a logical subdivision of an IP network, created by partitioning a larger network address space using subnet masks.
Key term
Print server
A print server is a dedicated device or software service that manages print jobs from multiple computers on a network, directing them to the appropriate printer and queuing tasks when the printer is busy.
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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.