- A
The Ethernet cable is faulty
Why wrong: While possible, a faulty cable would be less likely if the user hasn't tested with another cable; driver issues are more common with new docks.
- B
The USB-C port on the laptop is damaged
Why wrong: If the port were damaged, the monitor would likely not work either, as video and data share the same connection.
- C
The docking station's Ethernet driver is not installed
Many USB-C docks require specific drivers for Ethernet to function; without them, the network adapter is not recognized.
- D
The laptop's Wi-Fi is interfering with Ethernet
Why wrong: Wi-Fi and Ethernet can coexist; the system typically prioritizes wired connections, but this would not prevent detection.
Question 540 of 1,020
USB-C Dock Ethernet Not Working: Driver Missing
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. 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 user connects a USB-C docking station to their laptop and finds that the external monitor works, but the Ethernet port on the dock does not provide network connectivity. The laptop's built-in Wi-Fi works fine. Which is the most likely 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.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the docking station’s Ethernet driver is not installed, which is the most likely cause of the USB-C dock Ethernet not working while the external monitor functions. This happens because USB-C docks often rely on separate drivers for their Ethernet adapter; without the correct driver, the operating system cannot recognize the network hardware, leaving the port inactive. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of peripheral driver dependencies and the fact that video pass-through can work independently of Ethernet—a common trap where test-takers blame the cable or dock hardware first. Remember, if the monitor works, the dock’s power and data lanes are likely fine, so focus on missing software. Memory tip: “Video works, Ethernet fails? Check the driver trails.”
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
✓
The docking station's Ethernet driver is not installed
Option C is correct because USB-C docking stations often require specific drivers for their integrated Ethernet adapters to function. Since the external monitor works, the USB-C connection itself is functional, isolating the issue to the Ethernet component. The missing driver prevents the OS from recognizing the network interface, even though the dock's other features operate normally.
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.
- ✗
The Ethernet cable is faulty
Why it's wrong here
While possible, a faulty cable would be less likely if the user hasn't tested with another cable; driver issues are more common with new docks.
- ✗
The USB-C port on the laptop is damaged
Why it's wrong here
If the port were damaged, the monitor would likely not work either, as video and data share the same connection.
- ✓
The docking station's Ethernet driver is not installed
Why this is correct
Many USB-C docks require specific drivers for Ethernet to function; without them, the network adapter is not recognized.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The laptop's Wi-Fi is interfering with Ethernet
Why it's wrong here
Wi-Fi and Ethernet can coexist; the system typically prioritizes wired connections, but this would not prevent detection.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a working monitor proves the entire dock is functional, overlooking that USB-C alternate mode for DisplayPort can work independently of the USB data lines or the dock's embedded peripherals, each of which may have separate driver requirements.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
USB-C docking stations typically use an embedded Ethernet controller (e.g., Realtek RTL8153 or ASIX AX88179) that requires a kernel-mode driver (NDIS on Windows, uether on Linux) to expose the network interface. Without the driver, the device appears as an unknown USB device in Device Manager or shows a yellow exclamation mark. In enterprise environments, group policies may block automatic driver installation, requiring manual deployment or driver store updates.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Accessories — This question tests Mobile Device Accessories — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The docking station's Ethernet driver is not installed — Option C is correct because USB-C docking stations often require specific drivers for their integrated Ethernet adapters to function. Since the external monitor works, the USB-C connection itself is functional, isolating the issue to the Ethernet component. The missing driver prevents the OS from recognizing the network interface, even though the dock's other features operate normally.
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.
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?
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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