Quick Answer
The correct answer is TCP port 443, as HTTPS traffic relies on this protocol and port combination for secure web communication. When a firewall performs port forwarding, it must be configured to accept incoming packets on TCP 443 and redirect them to the web server’s internal IP address; without this rule, external requests are dropped, while internal users can still reach the server because their traffic stays inside the local network and bypasses the firewall’s external interface. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how port forwarding bridges public and private networks, often appearing as a troubleshooting question where internal access works but external access fails—a common trap is confusing HTTPS (TCP 443) with HTTP (TCP 80) or assuming UDP is used. Remember the mnemonic: “Secure Sockets need TCP 443 to knock on the firewall door.”
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 new web server that must be accessible from the internet using HTTPS. The server is behind a firewall that performs port forwarding. After configuration, external users cannot reach the server, but internal users can. Which protocol and port combination must be forwarded to the server?
TCP 80
Why wrong: Port 80 is used for HTTP, not HTTPS; forwarding only port 80 would not allow HTTPS access.
UDP 443
Why wrong: HTTPS uses TCP, not UDP; UDP 443 is not standard for web traffic.
TCP 443
HTTPS uses TCP port 443, so forwarding this port allows secure web access from the internet.
TCP 3389
Why wrong: Port 3389 is used for RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), not web traffic.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
TCP 443
HTTPS uses TCP port 443 by default. For external users to access the web server, the firewall must forward incoming traffic on port 443 to the server's internal IP address. Internal access works because it doesn't go through the firewall's external interface, so the issue is likely a missing or incorrect port forward for port 443.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
TCP 80
Why it's wrong here
Port 80 is used for HTTP, not HTTPS; forwarding only port 80 would not allow HTTPS access.
UDP 443
TCP 443
TCP 3389
Why it's wrong here
Port 3389 is used for RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), not web traffic.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: TCP 443 — HTTPS uses TCP port 443 by default. For external users to access the web server, the firewall must forward incoming traffic on port 443 to the server's internal IP address. Internal access works because it doesn't go through the firewall's external interface, so the issue is likely a missing or incorrect port forward for port 443.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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