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220-1201 Practice Question: A user connects a USB-C docking station to their…
A user connects a USB-C docking station to their laptop and finds that the external monitor works, but the Ethernet port on the dock does not provide network connectivity. The laptop's built-in Wi-Fi works fine. Which is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to assume a working monitor proves the entire dock is functional, overlooking that USB-C alternate mode for DisplayPort can work independently of the USB data lines or the dock's embedded peripherals, each of which may have separate driver requirements.
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
✓
The docking station's Ethernet driver is not installed
USB-C docking stations often require specific drivers for their integrated Ethernet adapters to function. Since the external monitor works, the USB-C connection itself is functional, isolating the issue to the Ethernet component. The missing driver prevents the OS from recognizing the network interface, even though the dock's other features operate normally.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The Ethernet cable is faulty
Why it's wrong here
A faulty Ethernet cable would prevent network connectivity by failing to establish a physical link or reliably transmit data packets. However, this issue typically manifests as a 'no link' status or intermittent connection *after* the operating system has successfully recognized and initialized the Ethernet adapter. If the adapter itself is not appearing in Device Manager or network settings, the problem is more fundamental than a simple cable fault, suggesting a hardware recognition or driver issue.
- ✗
The USB-C port on the laptop is damaged
Why it's wrong here
If the USB-C port on the laptop were physically damaged or its internal controller malfunctioning, it would likely affect all functions that rely on that port. Since the monitor connected via the docking station is working, it indicates that the USB-C port's DisplayPort Alternate Mode and core data transfer capabilities are operational. A damaged port would typically result in a complete failure of the dock's functionality, not just the Ethernet component.
- ✓
The docking station's Ethernet driver is not installed
Why this is correct
Many USB-C docking stations incorporate a dedicated USB-to-Ethernet controller chip (e.g., Realtek, ASIX) to provide wired network connectivity. For the operating system to properly communicate with and utilize this specific hardware component, a corresponding device driver must be installed. Without the correct driver, the OS cannot identify the Ethernet adapter, initialize it, or expose it as a network interface, leading to no network connectivity despite the physical connection.
- ✗
The laptop's Wi-Fi is interfering with Ethernet
Why it's wrong here
Wi-Fi and Ethernet are distinct networking technologies that utilize separate hardware adapters within a computer system. Modern operating systems are designed to manage multiple network interfaces simultaneously, typically prioritizing wired Ethernet connections over Wi-Fi when both are available. Interference from Wi-Fi would not prevent the operating system from detecting, installing, or attempting to use the Ethernet adapter; it would only affect which connection is actively used for internet access or potentially cause performance degradation, not prevent the adapter's recognition.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Laptop Hardware and Components
Key term
Interface
An interface is a point of connection or interaction between two systems, devices, or software components that allows them to exchange information or signals.
Key term
Docking station
A docking station is a hardware device that lets you connect a laptop to multiple peripherals like monitors, keyboards, and mice through a single connection point.
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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.