The answer is that the laptop’s USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol required by the SSD. This is the most likely cause because USB-C is merely a physical connector shape, not a guarantee of any specific protocol or speed; a USB-C port can support USB 3.x, Thunderbolt, or DisplayPort, and if it lacks the exact USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard the SSD expects, the drive may not be detected at all. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between connector types and supported protocols—a common trap is assuming any USB-C port works with any USB-C device. Remember the key distinction: USB-C defines the plug, not the protocol. A useful memory tip is “Shape is not speed”—the physical port shape tells you nothing about the data standard it supports.
220-1101 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. 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 customer reports that their new external SSD, which uses a USB-C connector, is not being detected by their Windows laptop. The laptop has USB-C ports that support USB 3.2 Gen 2. The SSD works fine on another computer. Which connector-related issue is most likely the cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol.
The correct answer is D because USB-C ports can support different protocols (USB 3.x, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort), and if the laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard required by the SSD, the device may not be detected. This tests understanding that USB-C is a physical connector shape, not a guarantee of a specific protocol or speed.
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.
✗
The SSD uses a USB-A to USB-C cable, which is incompatible.
Why it's wrong here
USB-A to USB-C cables are common and compatible if the devices support the same protocol; this scenario uses a USB-C SSD.
✗
The laptop's USB-C port is damaged and needs replacement.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the SSD works on another computer, making a damaged port on the laptop less likely than a protocol mismatch.
✗
The SSD requires a Thunderbolt 3 connection, which the laptop lacks.
Why it's wrong here
Thunderbolt 3 is a specific protocol over USB-C, but the SSD is USB 3.2 Gen 2, not Thunderbolt.
✓
The laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol.
Why this is correct
USB-C ports may only support USB 2.0 or 3.0; a USB 3.2 Gen 2 device may not work if the port lacks that protocol support.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
USB-A to USB-C cables are common and compatible if the devices support the same protocol; this scenario uses a USB-C SSD.
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: The laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol. — The correct answer is D because USB-C ports can support different protocols (USB 3.x, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort), and if the laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard required by the SSD, the device may not be detected. This tests understanding that USB-C is a physical connector shape, not a guarantee of a specific protocol or speed.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 customer says their external hard drive is not recognized by their laptop. The drive uses a USB-C connector and the laptop has both USB-A and USB-C ports. Which connector type should be used to ensure the fastest possible data transfer?
easy
A.USB-A to USB-B cable
✓ B.USB-C to USB-C cable
C.USB-A to USB-C adapter
D.Micro-USB to USB-C cable
Why B: USB-C supports faster data transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps or more) compared to USB-A's typical 5 Gbps, and it is the correct connector for the drive. Using a USB-A port would require an adapter and may limit speed. This question tests knowledge of USB connector generations and their performance capabilities.
Variation 2. A customer reports that their external hard drive, which uses a USB-C connection, is not being recognized by their laptop. The drive works fine on another computer. The laptop has only USB-A ports. Which adapter should be used to connect the drive?
easy
A.USB-A male to USB-C male cable
✓ B.USB-C male to USB-A female adapter
C.USB-C female to USB-A female adapter
D.USB-A female to USB-C female adapter
Why B: USB-C to USB-A adapters are common for connecting newer devices to older ports. The correct answer is a USB-C male to USB-A female adapter, which allows the drive's USB-C cable to plug into a USB-A port.
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.