- A
22
Why wrong: Port 22 is used for SSH, not RDP.
- B
3389
Port 3389 is the default port for RDP, used for remote desktop connections to Windows.
- C
5900
Why wrong: Port 5900 is used by VNC, not RDP.
- D
443
Why wrong: Port 443 is HTTPS, not RDP.
Question 345 of 1,020
RDP Default Port 3389 for CompTIA A+ 220-1201
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of tcp & udp ports. 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 remote desktop solution for a user who needs to access their Windows workstation from home. Which port must be forwarded on the router for RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)?
Quick Answer
The answer is TCP port 3389, which is the default port for Remote Desktop Protocol. RDP relies on this port to establish a secure, graphical connection to a remote Windows workstation, making it the correct choice when forwarding a router for remote desktop access. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish common network protocols and their associated ports, often appearing alongside traps like port 22 for SSH, port 5900 for VNC, or port 443 for HTTPS. The exam expects you to know that RDP is the native Windows solution, and memorizing its default port is essential for both troubleshooting and configuration scenarios. A simple memory tip: think of "3389" as "three three eight nine" — the number 3 appears twice, just like the two R's in "Remote Desktop," and 89 is close to 90, reminding you that VNC uses 5900 instead.
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
✓
3389
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses TCP port 3389 by default to establish a graphical interface connection to a Windows workstation. Forwarding this port on the home router allows the technician to route incoming RDP traffic from the internet to the specific internal IP address of the target Windows machine, enabling remote access.
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.
- ✗
22
Why it's wrong here
Port 22 is used for SSH, not RDP.
- ✓
3389
Why this is correct
Port 3389 is the default port for RDP, used for remote desktop connections to Windows.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
5900
Why it's wrong here
Port 5900 is used by VNC, not RDP.
- ✗
443
Why it's wrong here
Port 443 is HTTPS, not RDP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between RDP (port 3389) and VNC (port 5900). Candidates may confuse these two common remote desktop protocols since both provide graphical remote access but use different default ports.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RDP operates over TCP and uses port 3389 as defined in Microsoft's implementation, though it can be changed via registry settings for security. In a real-world scenario, forwarding port 3389 directly to the internet is risky; administrators often use a VPN or change the default port to reduce automated attack attempts. The RDP protocol itself handles session encryption, display rendering, and input redirection over this single port.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
TCP & UDP Ports — This question tests TCP & UDP Ports — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 3389 — Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses TCP port 3389 by default to establish a graphical interface connection to a Windows workstation. Forwarding this port on the home router allows the technician to route incoming RDP traffic from the internet to the specific internal IP address of the target Windows machine, enabling remote access.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
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. During a network upgrade, a technician needs to allow remote desktop connections to Windows workstations from the internal network. Which port must be opened in the firewall?
medium- A.22
- B.23
- ✓ C.3389
- D.5900
Why C: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) uses TCP port 3389 by default. To allow remote desktop connections to Windows workstations from the internal network, the firewall must permit inbound traffic on port 3389. This is the standard port for RDP, which provides graphical remote access to Windows systems.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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