Question 11 of 1,020
Mobile Device Connection MethodshardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

USB-C Hub with Ethernet and Power Delivery

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 that uses a tablet to display digital signage. The tablet must be powered continuously and connected to a wired network for reliability. The tablet has a single USB-C port. How should the technician provide both power and network connectivity?

Quick Answer

The correct solution is to connect a USB-C hub that provides both Ethernet and Power Delivery charging. This works because USB-C supports alternate modes, which allow a single port to carry multiple data and power signals simultaneously, and Power Delivery enables high-wattage charging alongside data transfer. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of USB-C capabilities and common troubleshooting for devices with limited ports—a frequent trap is assuming you need two separate adapters or that a standard USB hub can deliver sufficient power. Remember that a USB-C hub with Ethernet and power passthrough is the all-in-one fix for single-port tablets needing both wired networking and continuous power. A useful memory tip: “One port, two jobs—Power Delivery and Ethernet are the hub’s best friends.”

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

Connect a USB-C hub that provides both Ethernet and Power Delivery charging.

Option B is correct because a USB-C hub with Power Delivery (PD) and Ethernet allows the tablet to receive both power and wired network connectivity through a single USB-C port. USB-C PD supports up to 100W (20V/5A) for charging, while the hub's Ethernet controller provides a stable wired network connection, meeting the requirements for continuous power and reliability.

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.

  • Use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter and charge the tablet wirelessly.

    Why it's wrong here

    Wireless charging is inefficient and may not provide continuous power; also, the tablet may not support it.

  • Connect a USB-C hub that provides both Ethernet and Power Delivery charging.

    Why this is correct

    A USB-C hub with PD pass-through allows the tablet to be charged while using wired Ethernet.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • Use a Wi-Fi connection and a standard USB-C charger.

    Why it's wrong here

    This provides power but not wired network reliability; the scenario specifically requires wired network.

  • Connect the tablet to the network via Bluetooth tethering to a phone.

    Why it's wrong here

    Bluetooth tethering is slow and unreliable for digital signage; also, it does not provide power.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

A common pitfall is assuming a single USB-C port can only handle one function at a time, but USB-C with alternate modes and Power Delivery allows simultaneous data, video, and power over the same port.

Trap categories for this question

  • Scenario analysis trap

    This provides power but not wired network reliability; the scenario specifically requires wired network.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

USB-C Power Delivery uses a communication protocol over the CC (Configuration Channel) pin to negotiate voltage and current levels, enabling up to 100W delivery. A USB-C hub with Ethernet integrates a USB-to-Ethernet controller (e.g., ASIX AX88179 or Realtek RTL8153) that appears as a network interface to the OS, while the PD controller manages power negotiation. In real-world kiosk deployments, this setup avoids the need for separate power and network cables, simplifying installation and reducing points of failure.

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.

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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: Connect a USB-C hub that provides both Ethernet and Power Delivery charging. — Option B is correct because a USB-C hub with Power Delivery (PD) and Ethernet allows the tablet to receive both power and wired network connectivity through a single USB-C port. USB-C PD supports up to 100W (20V/5A) for charging, while the hub's Ethernet controller provides a stable wired network connection, meeting the requirements for continuous power and reliability.

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

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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.