CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 86
Question 850
A support request at Juniper Tech presents this problem: Authentication logs from two branch routers show conflicting timestamps during the same event. The supporting record states that their clocks drift because NTP synchronization is disabled; syslog collection itself is functioning. The desired outcome is to identify the role of network time synchronization separate from log transport. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. What should be tracked after the fix to maintain service reliability?
- Monitor backend health, distribution and excessive failover events
- Monitor repeated failed pinout tests and cable labeling gaps
- Monitor DNS response failures and incorrect DHCP DNS option deployment
- Monitor NTP offset, source reachability and logger ingestion separately
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Monitor NTP offset, source reachability and logger ingestion separately. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that their clocks drift because NTP synchronization is disabled; syslog collection itself is functioning. The support goal is to identify the role of network time synchronization separate from log transport; this monitor action specifically addresses ntp time service versus centralized syslog without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor backend health, distribution and excessive failover events. That action is appropriate for load balancer versus proxy server functions, normally when a web service needs requests distributed across three application servers with failed nodes removed automatically. Here the observed facts require ntp time service versus centralized syslog instead.
B:
Monitor repeated failed pinout tests and cable labeling gaps. This action is appropriate for cable tester versus toner and probe, normally when a technician must determine whether a terminated Ethernet run has crossed wires and split pairs. Here the observed facts require ntp time service versus centralized syslog instead.
C:
Monitor DNS response failures and incorrect DHCP DNS option deployment. That action is appropriate for dns resolution versus dhcp address assignment, normally when a workstation has a valid IPv4 address, gateway and lease but cannot reach services by hostname. Here the observed facts require ntp time service versus centralized syslog instead.
Question 851
During Crescent Operations's branch networking support, the technician encounters this condition: A support call reveals a default route points to a host outside the user's /24 network. The desired outcome is to select an on-link default gateway matching the client subnet. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Check client capabilities, AP firmware and current WLAN security settings
- Review the client's IP, subnet mask, next-hop address and ARP resolution
- Inspect UDP 68 client requests, UDP 67 server responses and relay configuration across the VLAN
- Inspect DHCP client settings, network link and offer/relay visibility
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Review the client's IP, subnet mask, next-hop address and ARP resolution. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a support call reveals a default route points to a host outside the user's /24 network. The support goal is to select an on-link default gateway matching the client subnet; this diagnose action specifically addresses ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Check client capabilities, AP firmware and current WLAN security settings. That action is appropriate for soho wireless wpa security setup, normally when a small office access point still allows WEP while newer managed clients support WPA3-Personal. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
C:
Inspect UDP 68 client requests, UDP 67 server responses and relay configuration across the VLAN. This action is appropriate for dhcp client and server port roles, normally when a new PC never receives an IPv4 lease on its office VLAN. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
D:
Inspect DHCP client settings, network link and offer/relay visibility. That action is appropriate for apipa 169.254.x.x missing dhcp lease, normally when a SOHO laptop automatically assigns itself 169.254.42.19 with a 255.255.0.0 mask. Here the observed facts require ipv4 subnet mask and gateway selection instead.
Question 852
During Vertex Media's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: An IT manager insists a parity array survive two failed disks during a long maintenance window. The desired outcome is to select a RAID level providing protection against two disk failures. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify the volume remains accessible in degraded mode and rebuilds after replacement
- Verify improved access latency and acceptable write endurance for the workload
- Verify data remains readable in degraded mode and rebuild procedures are documented
- Verify the negotiated link and measured transfer rate match the supported mode
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Verify data remains readable in degraded mode and rebuild procedures are documented. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that an IT manager insists a parity array survive two failed disks during a long maintenance window. The support goal is to select a RAID level providing protection against two disk failures; this validate action specifically addresses raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify the volume remains accessible in degraded mode and rebuilds after replacement. That action is appropriate for raid 1 mirror capacity and resilience, normally when a file server has two equal 2 TB disks and needs redundancy against one disk failure. Here the observed facts require raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity instead.
B:
Verify improved access latency and acceptable write endurance for the workload. That action is appropriate for ssd versus hdd latency and interface, normally when a mobile user needs low-latency storage and shock resistance but a procurement request specifies a 5400 RPM hard disk. Here the observed facts require raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity instead.
D:
Verify the negotiated link and measured transfer rate match the supported mode. This action is appropriate for usb-c versus thunderbolt port capability, normally when an external high-bandwidth storage enclosure only negotiates low speed on a laptop USB-C connector. Here the observed facts require raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity instead.
Question 853
At Riverlight Retail, a technician working in branch networking support identifies this issue: A help desk wants to troubleshoot crowded 2.4 GHz airspace but only has a wired network tap. The desired outcome is to use an RF analysis tool for interference assessment rather than wired packet capture. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Test an intentionally miswired patch cable with a wiremap tester and trace a separate unlabeled cable
- Test TCP 445 and open a harmless authorized file on a staging share
- Collect a short approved RF survey before and after changing the test AP channel
- Fail one lab application node while sending a controlled stream of valid requests
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Collect a short approved RF survey before and after changing the test AP channel. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a help desk wants to troubleshoot crowded 2.4 GHz airspace but only has a wired network tap. The support goal is to use an RF analysis tool for interference assessment rather than wired packet capture; this pilot action specifically addresses wi-fi analyzer versus network tap without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Test an intentionally miswired patch cable with a wiremap tester and trace a separate unlabeled cable. That action is appropriate for cable tester versus toner and probe, normally when a technician must determine whether a terminated Ethernet run has crossed wires and split pairs. Here the observed facts require wi-fi analyzer versus network tap instead.
B:
Test TCP 445 and open a harmless authorized file on a staging share. That action is appropriate for smb file sharing port versus rdp, normally when a user can ping a shared Windows file server but cannot map a network share. Here the observed facts require wi-fi analyzer versus network tap instead.
D:
Fail one lab application node while sending a controlled stream of valid requests. This action is appropriate for load balancer versus proxy server functions, normally when a web service needs requests distributed across three application servers with failed nodes removed automatically. Here the observed facts require wi-fi analyzer versus network tap instead.
Question 854
On a service ticket for Seabright Supplies, the team observes: A help desk engineer needs an isolated test operating system on an existing laptop. The supporting record states that the laptop must continue running its normal desktop OS and does not need dedicated bare-metal hosting. The desired outcome is to choose a hosted virtualization approach suitable for local test development. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. Which safe pilot action gives the most relevant evidence?
- Boot a disposable guest after enabling the feature on a lab system
- Create a disposable VM and verify host and guest can run concurrently
- Open a test virtual desktop session from a thin client over a controlled network
- Install a test bare-metal hypervisor on approved compatible lab server hardware
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Create a disposable VM and verify host and guest can run concurrently. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that the laptop must continue running its normal desktop OS and does not need dedicated bare-metal hosting. The support goal is to choose a hosted virtualization approach suitable for local test development; this pilot action specifically addresses hosted type 2 virtualization for testing without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Boot a disposable guest after enabling the feature on a lab system. That action is appropriate for virtualization cpu extensions, normally when a new virtual machine cannot start a 64-bit guest even though the host processor supports virtualization. Here the observed facts require hosted type 2 virtualization for testing instead.
C:
Open a test virtual desktop session from a thin client over a controlled network. This action is appropriate for vdi versus local desktop processing, normally when a company wants centrally managed user desktops accessed from inexpensive endpoints. Here the observed facts require hosted type 2 virtualization for testing instead.
D:
Install a test bare-metal hypervisor on approved compatible lab server hardware. That action is appropriate for type 1 versus type 2 hypervisors, normally when an organization needs multiple production VMs on a dedicated virtualization host without a general-purpose desktop OS layer. Here the observed facts require hosted type 2 virtualization for testing instead.
Question 855
A support request at Cedar Education presents this problem: A user complains that desktop text is blurry after changing to a nonnative display resolution. The supporting record states that the monitor advertises a different native pixel grid than the currently selected mode. The desired outcome is to correct resolution and scaling without treating blur as pixel hardware failure. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Check cable damage, connector strain, monitor input selection and GPU outputs
- Review native panel resolution, current OS scaling and cable mode limits
- Check the exact board beep code table, GPU seating and required GPU power
- Inspect brightness controls, display cable, backlight power and serviceable panel components
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Review native panel resolution, current OS scaling and cable mode limits. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the monitor advertises a different native pixel grid than the currently selected mode. The support goal is to correct resolution and scaling without treating blur as pixel hardware failure; this diagnose action specifically addresses wrong screen resolution and scaling without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Check cable damage, connector strain, monitor input selection and GPU outputs. That action is appropriate for intermittent monitor image due to video cable, normally when a monitor intermittently goes black when its display cable is moved. Here the observed facts require wrong screen resolution and scaling instead.
C:
Check the exact board beep code table, GPU seating and required GPU power. This action is appropriate for post beep code interpretation and expansion-card isolation, normally when a newly upgraded desktop beeps at startup and shows no BIOS screen. Here the observed facts require wrong screen resolution and scaling instead.
D:
Inspect brightness controls, display cable, backlight power and serviceable panel components. That action is appropriate for backlight failure on laptop lcd, normally when a laptop screen looks black but a flashlight reveals a faint intact desktop image. Here the observed facts require wrong screen resolution and scaling instead.
Question 856
During Clearwater Telecom's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: A gaming user buys a high-resolution screen but is disappointed that the interface still runs at 60 Hz. The desired outcome is to differentiate image pixel count from screen updates per second. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Select an IPS-class monitor meeting the required color gamut rather than choosing TN solely for speed
- Enable approved Secure Boot controls without assuming boot order provides signature checking
- Service or recalibrate the compatible digitizer assembly after confirming driver and physical damage
- Choose a resolution meeting workspace needs and refresh rate supported by the GPU and cable
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Choose a resolution meeting workspace needs and refresh rate supported by the GPU and cable. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that a gaming user buys a high-resolution screen but is disappointed that the interface still runs at 60 Hz. The support goal is to differentiate image pixel count from screen updates per second; this design action specifically addresses refresh rate versus screen resolution without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Select an IPS-class monitor meeting the required color gamut rather than choosing TN solely for speed. That action is appropriate for ips versus tn versus oled displays, normally when a graphic designer prioritizes consistent viewing angles and color accuracy over lowest display price. Here the observed facts require refresh rate versus screen resolution instead.
B:
Enable approved Secure Boot controls without assuming boot order provides signature checking. This action is appropriate for uefi secure boot versus boot order, normally when a laptop can start a trusted OS but prompts when an unsigned bootloader is inserted. Here the observed facts require refresh rate versus screen resolution instead.
C:
Service or recalibrate the compatible digitizer assembly after confirming driver and physical damage. That action is appropriate for digitizer input versus backlight inverter, normally when a convertible LCD image is visible but finger touches no longer register at a specific region. Here the observed facts require refresh rate versus screen resolution instead.
Question 857
At Stonebridge Research, a technician working in computer equipment refresh identifies this issue: A desk patch cord shows different pinouts on opposite ends and the intended installation is not a crossover cable. The desired outcome is to apply consistent Ethernet copper pair termination standards. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Re-terminate a lab cable and run a pair-level tester
- Verify a test single-mode pair with appropriate optics and light-level measurements
- Install a supported spare drive into a test board and check firmware discovery
- Set a test monitor first to its native resolution then to an available supported refresh rate
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Re-terminate a lab cable and run a pair-level tester. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a desk patch cord shows different pinouts on opposite ends and the intended installation is not a crossover cable. The support goal is to apply consistent Ethernet copper pair termination standards; this pilot action specifically addresses t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Verify a test single-mode pair with appropriate optics and light-level measurements. That action is appropriate for single-mode versus multimode fiber, normally when a campus backbone spans several kilometers between buildings and requires high throughput. Here the observed facts require t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
C:
Install a supported spare drive into a test board and check firmware discovery. That action is appropriate for nvme pcie versus sata storage interface, normally when a technician orders an M.2 SSD for a motherboard slot that supports only SATA signaling. Here the observed facts require t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
D:
Set a test monitor first to its native resolution then to an available supported refresh rate. This action is appropriate for refresh rate versus screen resolution, normally when a support buyer mistakes 144 Hz for a count of display pixels when comparing two monitors. Here the observed facts require t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
Question 858
During Crescent Operations's small-office network service desk, the technician encounters this condition: A checkout kiosk must read a contactless badge at a few centimeters, not stream audio across a room. The supporting record states that the badge reader uses near-field communication while Bluetooth headphones require their own pairing process. The desired outcome is to match NFC and Bluetooth to their intended interaction distance and purpose. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor default-gateway reachability and route changes
- Monitor NFC reader alignment and Bluetooth pairing failures separately
- Monitor client compatibility and regulatory-domain channel settings after firmware changes
- Watch channel occupancy and weak-signal client retransmission rates
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Monitor NFC reader alignment and Bluetooth pairing failures separately. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that the badge reader uses near-field communication while Bluetooth headphones require their own pairing process. The support goal is to match NFC and Bluetooth to their intended interaction distance and purpose; this monitor action specifically addresses nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor default-gateway reachability and route changes. This action is appropriate for router versus layer 2 switch forwarding, normally when two PCs on separate IPv4 subnets can communicate within their own LANs but not across subnets. Here the observed facts require nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing instead.
C:
Monitor client compatibility and regulatory-domain channel settings after firmware changes. That action is appropriate for 6 ghz wi-fi client compatibility, normally when a new 6 GHz SSID is invisible to several laptops even though 5 GHz works. Here the observed facts require nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing instead.
D:
Watch channel occupancy and weak-signal client retransmission rates. That action is appropriate for 2.4 ghz versus 5 ghz wi-fi trade-offs, normally when a warehouse needs coverage through walls at modest data rates while a crowded office needs faster nearby links. Here the observed facts require nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing instead.
Question 859
A support request at Juniper Tech presents this problem: A notebook loses Wi-Fi range after a screen repair while its wireless adapter remains detected. The desired outcome is to restore the wireless antenna path without replacing a healthy radio. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Have a trained technician isolate power and remove the swollen unit using manufacturer service steps
- On a powered-off service unit, reseat the antenna leads with the correct nonconductive tool
- Restore a non-sensitive test backup to the new SSD and verify recovery-key retrieval in a controlled service workflow
- Activate the eSIM on a spare enrolled phone using an approved carrier test profile
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
On a powered-off service unit, reseat the antenna leads with the correct nonconductive tool. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a notebook loses Wi-Fi range after a screen repair while its wireless adapter remains detected. The support goal is to restore the wireless antenna path without replacing a healthy radio; this pilot action specifically addresses laptop wi-fi antenna reconnection without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Have a trained technician isolate power and remove the swollen unit using manufacturer service steps. That action is appropriate for swollen laptop battery replacement, normally when a business laptop has a lifted trackpad and a visibly swollen internal lithium-ion battery. Here the observed facts require laptop wi-fi antenna reconnection instead.
C:
Restore a non-sensitive test backup to the new SSD and verify recovery-key retrieval in a controlled service workflow. That action is appropriate for laptop ssd replacement and encryption, normally when a laptop SSD is failing SMART health checks and holds company data protected with full-disk encryption. Here the observed facts require laptop wi-fi antenna reconnection instead.
D:
Activate the eSIM on a spare enrolled phone using an approved carrier test profile. This action is appropriate for mobile esim carrier activation, normally when a company phone has cellular signal bars but cannot attach to its assigned business data plan. Here the observed facts require laptop wi-fi antenna reconnection instead.
Question 860
At Harborworks, a technician working in end-user troubleshooting identifies this issue: A tablet becomes hot in a backpack because one application retries a cloud sync every few seconds. The desired outcome is to identify energy consumption from software activity rather than immediately swapping the battery. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. How should the solution first be tested on an approved spare or pilot system?
- Temporarily disable nonessential background activity for the suspect app on a test phone
- Turn off Wi-Fi on a spare authorized test device and attempt a harmless network request
- Rehearse a RAID 1 rebuild with a disposable lab array and a spare disk
- Compare a known-good cable before and after a controlled authorized port inspection
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Temporarily disable nonessential background activity for the suspect app on a test phone. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a tablet becomes hot in a backpack because one application retries a cloud sync every few seconds. The support goal is to identify energy consumption from software activity rather than immediately swapping the battery; this pilot action specifically addresses background app mobile battery drain without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Turn off Wi-Fi on a spare authorized test device and attempt a harmless network request. That action is appropriate for mobile data failure due to disabled cellular, normally when a smartphone can browse over Wi-Fi but cannot connect to the internet when leaving the office. Here the observed facts require background app mobile battery drain instead.
C:
Rehearse a RAID 1 rebuild with a disposable lab array and a spare disk. This action is appropriate for degraded raid after a failed member, normally when a mirrored NAS reports one disk failed while files remain available. Here the observed facts require background app mobile battery drain instead.
D:
Compare a known-good cable before and after a controlled authorized port inspection. That action is appropriate for mobile charging port debris, normally when a phone charges intermittently only when its USB-C plug is held at an angle. Here the observed facts require background app mobile battery drain instead.
