- A
USB-C to HDMI adapter
Why wrong: HDMI is for video, not network data; it cannot provide an Ethernet connection.
- B
USB-C to USB-A adapter with a USB Ethernet dongle
Why wrong: While this could work, it introduces unnecessary complexity; a direct USB-C to Ethernet adapter is simpler and more reliable.
- C
USB-C to Ethernet adapter
This adapter directly converts the USB-C port to an RJ45 Ethernet port, providing a wired network connection.
- D
USB-C to DisplayPort adapter
Why wrong: DisplayPort is for video output, not network connectivity.
Question 650 of 1,020
USB-C to Ethernet Adapter for Wired Network
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. 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 configuring a kiosk tablet that must connect to a wired Ethernet network for security reasons. The tablet only has a USB-C port. The network drop provides an RJ45 connection. Which of the following should the technician use to achieve a wired connection?
Quick Answer
The answer is a USB-C to Ethernet adapter. This device converts the tablet’s USB-C port into a standard RJ45 Ethernet jack, allowing a direct wired network connection where Wi-Fi is not permitted. The adapter internally handles the signal translation from the USB protocol to the Ethernet standard, so the operating system sees it as a standard network interface. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to match the correct adapter type to a given port and network requirement—a common trap is confusing this with a USB-C to HDMI or a simple USB-C hub that lacks an Ethernet port. Remember that any device needing a wired connection but lacking an RJ45 port will require a dedicated Ethernet adapter for that specific port type. A useful memory tip: “USB-C to RJ45—no Wi-Fi, no fuss, just plug and connect.”
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
✓
USB-C to Ethernet adapter
The tablet has a USB-C port and needs to connect to an RJ45 Ethernet network. A USB-C to Ethernet adapter directly converts the USB-C signal to a standard RJ45 Ethernet connection, providing a wired network interface without additional adapters or protocol conversions. This is the simplest and most reliable solution for achieving a wired Ethernet connection from a USB-C-only device.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
USB-C to HDMI adapter
Why it's wrong here
HDMI is for video, not network data; it cannot provide an Ethernet connection.
- ✗
USB-C to USB-A adapter with a USB Ethernet dongle
Why it's wrong here
While this could work, it introduces unnecessary complexity; a direct USB-C to Ethernet adapter is simpler and more reliable.
- ✓
USB-C to Ethernet adapter
Why this is correct
This adapter directly converts the USB-C port to an RJ45 Ethernet port, providing a wired network connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
USB-C to DisplayPort adapter
Why it's wrong here
DisplayPort is for video output, not network connectivity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the candidate's ability to identify the most direct and appropriate adapter for a given port and purpose, trapping those who overcomplicate the solution by stacking adapters (like Option B) when a single-purpose adapter exists.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
DisplayPort is for video output, not network connectivity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
USB-C to Ethernet adapters typically use a chipset that implements the USB CDC ECM (Ethernet Control Model) or NCM (Network Control Model) protocol, allowing the host OS to recognize the adapter as a standard network interface. In real-world scenarios, some kiosk tablets may require a specific adapter that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) if the tablet needs to be powered through the same cable, though this is not specified in the question.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Mobile Device Connection Methods — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Connection Methods — This question tests Mobile Device Connection Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: USB-C to Ethernet adapter — The tablet has a USB-C port and needs to connect to an RJ45 Ethernet network. A USB-C to Ethernet adapter directly converts the USB-C signal to a standard RJ45 Ethernet connection, providing a wired network interface without additional adapters or protocol conversions. This is the simplest and most reliable solution for achieving a wired Ethernet connection from a USB-C-only device.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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