The answer is an HDMI-to-HDMI cable for one monitor and a DisplayPort-to-DVI cable (or DisplayPort to HDMI with a DVI adapter) for the other. This works because HDMI and DisplayPort are both digital video standards, and DisplayPort is designed to drive DVI or HDMI signals through a passive adapter, requiring no active conversion. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of common video connector conversions and the fact that DisplayPort’s multi-mode capability allows it to output to DVI or HDMI without a powered converter. A common trap is assuming you need an active adapter for every cross-connection, but here the DisplayPort output natively supports DVI signaling, so a simple passive cable or adapter is sufficient. Memory tip: think of DisplayPort as the “universal donor” for digital video—it can speak HDMI or DVI with just a passive adapter, while HDMI cannot natively drive DisplayPort.
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 technician is setting up a dual-monitor workstation for a financial analyst. The PC has one HDMI port and one DisplayPort. The monitors have HDMI and DVI inputs, respectively. Which cable combination will allow both monitors to display?
Why wrong: This would connect the HDMI port to DVI (works) and DisplayPort to HDMI (works), but the question asks for a cable combination, not adapters.
B
Two HDMI cables, using a splitter
Why wrong: A splitter would duplicate the same signal, not extend the desktop, which is required for dual monitors.
C
DisplayPort to HDMI and VGA to DVI
Why wrong: VGA to DVI would require an active converter and is less reliable than digital connections.
D
HDMI to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter)
This uses direct connections: HDMI to HDMI for one monitor, and DisplayPort to DVI (via a passive adapter) for the other, supporting dual displays.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HDMI to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter)
The correct answer is D because HDMI to HDMI connects the first monitor, and DisplayPort to DVI (or HDMI) connects the second, using an adapter if needed. This tests understanding of common video connector conversions and that DisplayPort can drive DVI or HDMI with a passive adapter.
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 DVI and DisplayPort to HDMI
Why it's wrong here
This would connect the HDMI port to DVI (works) and DisplayPort to HDMI (works), but the question asks for a cable combination, not adapters.
✗
Two HDMI cables, using a splitter
Why it's wrong here
A splitter would duplicate the same signal, not extend the desktop, which is required for dual monitors.
✗
DisplayPort to HDMI and VGA to DVI
Why it's wrong here
VGA to DVI would require an active converter and is less reliable than digital connections.
✓
HDMI to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter)
Why this is correct
This uses direct connections: HDMI to HDMI for one monitor, and DisplayPort to DVI (via a passive adapter) for the other, supporting dual displays.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.
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 HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter) — The correct answer is D because HDMI to HDMI connects the first monitor, and DisplayPort to DVI (or HDMI) connects the second, using an adapter if needed. This tests understanding of common video connector conversions and that DisplayPort can drive DVI or HDMI with a passive adapter.
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.
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