The correct answer is a passive HDMI to DisplayPort adapter because both HDMI and DisplayPort are digital video standards that are electrically compatible for video signals, meaning a passive adapter can simply rewire the pins without needing active signal conversion. This works because the underlying TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) protocol used by HDMI is natively supported by DisplayPort’s dual-mode capability, allowing a direct electrical handshake between the two ports. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of digital vs. analog signal paths and the common trap of assuming all adapters need active conversion—especially when VGA or USB-C is involved, which often do. A key memory tip: if both ends are digital and the adapter is just a simple cable or dongle, it’s likely passive; if one end is analog (like VGA), you need an active converter. Remember the mnemonic “Digital Direct, Passive Perfect” to recall that HDMI-to-DisplayPort works passively for video.
220-1101 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user is setting up a new monitor that uses a DisplayPort connection, but their desktop PC only has an HDMI port. They have an adapter. Which adapter type will allow the monitor to display correctly?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HDMI to DisplayPort adapter
The correct answer is B because DisplayPort and HDMI are both digital video standards, and a passive adapter can convert between them without signal loss. This tests knowledge that DisplayPort and HDMI are electrically compatible for video, unlike VGA (analog) or USB-C (which may require active conversion).
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
HDMI to VGA adapter
Why it's wrong here
VGA is analog and requires an active converter; it will not work with a digital DisplayPort monitor directly.
✓
HDMI to DisplayPort adapter
Why this is correct
HDMI and DisplayPort use similar digital signaling, so a passive adapter can convert the signal for the monitor.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
DisplayPort to USB-C adapter
Why it's wrong here
This adapter would connect a DisplayPort source to a USB-C monitor, but the PC has HDMI, not DisplayPort.
✗
DVI to HDMI adapter
Why it's wrong here
This adapter would connect a DVI source to an HDMI monitor, but the PC has HDMI output, not DVI.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This adapter would connect a DVI source to an HDMI monitor, but the PC has HDMI output, not DVI.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HDMI to DisplayPort adapter — The correct answer is B because DisplayPort and HDMI are both digital video standards, and a passive adapter can convert between them without signal loss. This tests knowledge that DisplayPort and HDMI are electrically compatible for video, unlike VGA (analog) or USB-C (which may require active conversion).
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user wants to connect a new monitor to their desktop PC. The monitor has a DisplayPort input, and the PC has an HDMI output. Which cable type will work without additional adapters?
easy
A.HDMI to HDMI cable
B.DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable
✓ C.HDMI to DisplayPort cable
D.VGA to HDMI cable
Why C: HDMI and DisplayPort are different standards, but many cables are available with HDMI on one end and DisplayPort on the other. A bidirectional cable can connect an HDMI source to a DisplayPort monitor.
Variation 2. A user reports that their new monitor, which uses a DisplayPort connection, shows no signal. The technician finds the monitor is connected to the PC's HDMI port via a passive adapter. What is the most likely issue?
easy
A.The HDMI cable is faulty
B.The monitor is set to the wrong input source
✓ C.The passive adapter cannot convert HDMI to DisplayPort
D.The graphics driver is outdated
Why C: Passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters often require an active adapter to convert the signal properly, especially if the source only outputs HDMI. This tests understanding of signal conversion and adapter types. The monitor's DisplayPort input needs a compatible signal from the PC's HDMI output.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.