- A
515
Why wrong: Port 515 is used by LPD, not IPP.
- B
631
Port 631 is the standard port for IPP, used by both Windows and Linux.
- C
9100
Why wrong: Port 9100 is used for raw printing (e.g., JetDirect), not IPP.
- D
80
Why wrong: Port 80 is HTTP, not typically used for printing protocols.
Question 635 of 1,020
IPP Port: 631
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 setting up a network printer that supports both LPD (Line Printer Daemon) and IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). The printer must be accessible from Windows and Linux clients. Which port should be opened for IPP?
Quick Answer
The answer is TCP port 631. IPP, or Internet Printing Protocol, is designed as a modern, network-friendly alternative to older printing protocols, and it specifically uses port 631 to manage print jobs and printer status over IP networks. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between common printing ports, often appearing alongside LPD (port 515) and JetDirect (port 9100) as distractors. A common trap is confusing IPP with HTTP, since IPP is built on HTTP, but the exam expects you to know that port 80 is for web traffic, not printing. To lock this in, remember the mnemonic: "631 is the one for IPP fun," and contrast it with LPD’s 515 and JetDirect’s 9100.
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
✓
631
IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) uses TCP port 631 by default, as defined in RFC 2911. Since the printer must be accessible from both Windows and Linux clients, opening port 631 allows IPP-based printing, which is natively supported by both operating systems.
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.
- ✗
515
Why it's wrong here
Port 515 is used by LPD, not IPP.
- ✓
631
Why this is correct
Port 631 is the standard port for IPP, used by both Windows and Linux.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
9100
Why it's wrong here
Port 9100 is used for raw printing (e.g., JetDirect), not IPP.
- ✗
80
Why it's wrong here
Port 80 is HTTP, not typically used for printing protocols.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between LPD (port 515), IPP (port 631), and raw printing (port 9100), so candidates must remember that IPP is specifically associated with port 631, not the more common HTTP port 80.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IPP is an application-layer protocol that uses HTTP as its transport, with port 631 being the well-known port for IPP services. Under the hood, IPP requests are HTTP POST messages with a Content-Type of application/ipp, and the printer responds with IPP status codes. In real-world scenarios, some printers also support IPP over port 443 (HTTPS) for encrypted printing, but the standard unencrypted port remains 631.
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.
- →
TCP & UDP Ports — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: 631 — IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) uses TCP port 631 by default, as defined in RFC 2911. Since the printer must be accessible from both Windows and Linux clients, opening port 631 allows IPP-based printing, which is natively supported by both operating systems.
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
2 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. A small office uses a network printer that supports both IPP and LPD printing. The printer is configured to use the default port for IPP. Which port must be open on the firewall for printing to work?
medium- A.515
- B.9100
- ✓ C.631
- D.80
Why C: IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) uses TCP port 631 by default, as defined in RFC 2911. Since the printer is configured to use the default port for IPP, the firewall must allow inbound traffic on port 631 for printing to function.
Variation 2. A technician is setting up a network printer that supports both standard and secure printing. Which port should be configured for secure IPP printing?
easy- A.Port 9100
- B.Port 515
- C.Port 443
- ✓ D.Port 631
Why D: Secure IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) uses HTTPS to encrypt print jobs and communications. Port 631 is the standard port for IPP, and when secured with TLS/SSL, it still uses port 631 but over HTTPS. This is defined in RFC 3510, which specifies how IPP operates over TLS, making port 631 the correct choice for secure IPP printing.
Keep practising
More 220-1201 practice questions
- During a network cable installation, a technician needs to verify that a newly run Cat6 cable is properly terminated and…
- A user connects a 4K monitor to their laptop using a USB-C port. The monitor is detected, but the resolution is stuck at…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that will not charge. The battery is removable, and the power adapter works on…
- A customer brings in a smartphone with a broken charging port. They want the port replaced. During disassembly, the tech…
- A user reports that their laptop's keyboard types random characters when certain keys are pressed. The laptop has not be…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that shuts down randomly after a few minutes of use. The fan is spinning, and t…
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.
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.