easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is setting up a network printer that…
A technician is setting up a network printer that supports both standard and secure printing. Which port should be configured for secure IPP printing?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse port 443 (HTTPS) as the secure printing port, but the exam tests the specific IANA assignment for IPP, which is port 631, even when secured with TLS.
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
✓
Port 631
Secure IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) uses HTTPS to encrypt print jobs and communications. Port 631 is the standard port for IPP, and when secured with TLS/SSL, it still uses port 631 but over HTTPS. This is defined in RFC 3510, which specifies how IPP operates over TLS, making port 631 the correct choice for secure IPP printing.
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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Port 9100
Why it's wrong here
Port 9100 is commonly used for raw TCP/IP printing, where print data is sent directly to the printer without any specific print protocol encapsulation. This method, often referred to as "HP JetDirect" printing, provides a fast, direct data stream. However, it lacks built-in security features like encryption or authentication, making it unsuitable for secure IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) requirements.
- ✗
Port 515
Why it's wrong here
Port 515 is the standard port for the Line Printer Daemon (LPD) protocol, an older printing protocol primarily used in Unix and Linux environments. LPD facilitates print job spooling and management between client and server, but it operates on a different architectural model than IPP. While functional for basic network printing, LPD does not inherently support the advanced features or secure, encrypted communication capabilities of modern IPP.
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Port 443
Why it's wrong here
Port 443 is the well-known default port for HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which encrypts web traffic using SSL/TLS. While HTTPS provides secure communication for web browsers and servers, it is not the dedicated or standard port for the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Although IPP can leverage TLS for encryption, it typically uses its own specific port rather than repurposing the general secure web port.
- ✓
Port 631
Why this is correct
Port 631 is the officially designated and standard port for the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). This port is used by print servers, such as CUPS (Common Unix Printing System), to manage print jobs and communicate with network printers. When IPP is implemented with TLS/SSL encryption for secure communication, often referred to as IPPS, it still utilizes Port 631, making it the correct choice for secure IPP printing.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Configuration: IP, DNS, DHCP
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
IPP
IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is a network protocol that allows computers to send print jobs to printers over a network or the internet.
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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.