CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) Exam Questions 2025

A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a networking technology used to logically segment a single physical network into multiple, distinct broadcast domains. Devices within a VLAN can communicate with each other as if they were on their own separate physical network, but they are isolated from devices in other VLANs. This segmentation is achieved at Layer 2 of the OSI model and is managed through network switches. It enhances security, improves network performance by reducing broadcast traffic, and simplifies network administration by grouping users and devices logically rather than by physical location.

A. MAC: A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique hardware identifier for a network interface, used for device-level addressing, not for segmenting networks.

C. NIC: A Network Interface Card (NIC) is the physical hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network; it does not perform logical segmentation.

D. DSL: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a wide area network (WAN) technology used to provide internet connectivity over telephone lines, not for segmenting a local network.

1. IEEE Std 802.1Q™-2018

"IEEE Standard for Local and metropolitan area networks—Bridges and Bridged Networks."

Section 3.267

VLAN: Defines a VLAN as "A Virtual Local Area Network; a broadcast domain created by a set of rules in a Bridge." This standard is the foundational document defining how VLANs operate to logically segment networks.

2. Tanenbaum

A. S.

& Wetherall

D. J. (2011). Computer Networks (5th ed.). Pearson Education.

Section 4.7.4

Virtual LANs: "The solution to this problem is to use VLANs... a switch can be configured to have some ports belong to VLAN 1

others to VLAN 2

and so on. Each VLAN is a separate broadcast domain." This academic textbook explicitly states VLANs create separate broadcast domains for logical segmentation.

3. Kurose

J. F.

& Ross

K. W. (2021). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (8th ed.). Pearson.

Section 6.4.2

VLANs: "A VLAN is a switch-based technology that allows creating multiple logical broadcast domains on a single physical switch infrastructure... Traffic from one VLAN can only reach other VLANs by passing through a router." This university-level textbook confirms VLANs as a method for logical segmentation managed by switches.

The described symptoms—a device shutting down after a specific period of operation and emitting a strange smell—are classic indicators of overheating. Projectors generate substantial heat from their high-intensity lamps and require constant airflow for cooling. An air filter is used to prevent dust and debris from entering the chassis and coating the internal components. When this filter becomes clogged, airflow is restricted, causing the internal temperature to rise. The projector's thermal protection system then shuts the unit down to prevent permanent damage. The strange smell is typically caused by the accumulated dust on the filter or internal components burning due to the excessive heat. Cleaning the filter is a routine maintenance task and the most logical first step to resolve this issue.

A. Replace the bulb: While a failing bulb can cause overheating, a clogged filter is a far more common and simpler cause to investigate and resolve first.

B. Check the projector configuration: Software or configuration settings are unrelated to physical symptoms like overheating, automatic shutdowns, and burning smells.

D. Adjust the gamma settings: Gamma settings are related to image color and brightness calibration and have no impact on the projector's thermal management or power state.

1. Epson America

Inc. (Official Vendor Documentation). Solving Projector Power Problems. "What should I do if the projector turns off by itself?" The document lists as a primary cause: "The projector's air filter may be clogged with dust

or the vents may be blocked." The recommended solution is to "Clean or replace the air filter." This directly supports cleaning the filter as the initial step for unexpected shutdowns. (Accessed from Epson's official support documentation for models like the PowerLite series).

2. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Division of Information Technology (University Courseware/Support). KnowledgeBase

Projector - Troubleshooting. In the section "Projector is overheating

" the guide states: "If the projector is overheating

the filter may need to be cleaned or replaced. A dirty filter can block air flow and cause the projector to overheat and shut down." This corroborates that a dirty filter is a primary cause of overheating and shutdown.

3. BenQ (Official Vendor Documentation). Projector Maintenance: How to Clean Your Projector. The guide emphasizes the importance of filter cleaning for performance and longevity: "A clogged filter can restrict airflow

leading to overheating and potential damage to the projector's internal components. Regularly cleaning the filter ensures optimal cooling and prevents dust from settling on the lens and other sensitive parts." This highlights filter cleaning as a critical step to prevent the exact symptoms described in the question.

A crimper is the specific tool used to terminate a network cable with an RJ45 modular connector. After the individual wires are stripped, untwisted, and arranged in the correct order (e.g., T568B), they are inserted into the RJ45 plug. The crimper then applies precise pressure, forcing the small metal pins (contacts) inside the connector to pierce the insulation of each wire, establishing a secure electrical connection. The tool also typically secures the cable's outer jacket to the plug for strain relief.

B. Cable stripper: This tool is used to remove the outer sheath of the network cable to expose the twisted pairs, but it does not attach the connector.

C. Punchdown: This tool is used to terminate wires into insulation-displacement connectors (IDCs) found on patch panels and keystone jacks, not on male RJ45 plugs.

D. Loopback plug: This is a diagnostic tool used to test a network interface card (NIC) or port by redirecting outgoing signals back into the port.

1. University of Washington

IT Connect. (n.d.). Making an Ethernet Cable. In the section "Step 4: Crimp the RJ-45 connector

" the procedure is detailed: "Place the RJ-45 connector and cable into the crimping tool. Squeeze the crimping tool with enough force to press the pins down into the wires

making a solid connection."

2. Stanford University IT. (n.d.). How to make an Ethernet cable. The guide explicitly lists the required tools

including a "Crimping tool

" and describes its use in "Step 6: Crimp" to secure the RJ45 connector to the cable wires.

3. Kurose

J. F.

& Ross

K. W. (2021). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (8th ed.). Pearson. Chapter 1

Section 1.2

discusses physical media

where the termination of twisted-pair copper wire with RJ45 connectors is a fundamental concept requiring a crimping tool for proper installation.

The issue of a vertical line appearing only during copying and scanning isolates the problem to the scanner assembly of the all-in-one printer. Since printing from a computer and receiving faxes works correctly, the core printing components (drum, corona wire, fuser) are functioning properly. A vertical line on a scanned or copied page is a classic symptom of debris, such as dust, ink, or a smudge, on the scanner glass. When using the automatic document feeder (ADF), this debris is often located on the small, separate strip of glass that the paper passes over, which translates into a consistent vertical line on the resulting digital image.

A. The pickup rollers: Faulty pickup rollers are responsible for paper handling and would cause paper jams or misfeeds, not lines on the printed image.

B. The corona wire: A problem with the corona wire, which charges the drum, would affect all print output, including jobs sent from a computer.

D. The drum assembly: A scratch or defect on the photosensitive drum would cause a repeating line or mark on every page printed, regardless of the source.

1. Hewlett-Packard (HP) Development Company

L.P. (2023). HP Printers - A Vertical Black Line Is Printed or Scanned. HP Customer Support - Knowledge Base

Document ID: c06563199. The document states

"Vertical lines on copies

faxes

or scans are caused by debris on the scanner glass

scanner lid

or in the automatic document feeder (ADF) slot."

2. University of Wisconsin-Madison. (2020). Ricoh Printers - How to Clean the Scanner Glass to Resolve Lines on Copies or Scans. UW-Madison Information Technology

KnowledgeBase

Doc ID: 105111. This guide instructs users that "Lines on copies or scans are caused by foreign material (e.g. dust

paper

staples

etc.) on the scanner glass." It specifically differentiates between the large flatbed glass and the smaller slit glass used by the document feeder.

3. Brother Industries

Ltd. (n.d.). A vertical line appears on my copies and/or faxes. Brother Solutions Center. In their troubleshooting guide

it is noted

"The cause of this issue is usually a small spot of dirt or correction fluid on the scanner glass strip. This affects copies and faxes sent using the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)."

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology defined by IEEE standards (such as 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt) that allows network cables to carry electrical power. A PoE switch is a network switch that has this capability built-in. It detects whether a connected device is PoE-compatible and provides both data connectivity and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable. This is commonly used to power devices like wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter for each device.

A. Edge router: An edge router's primary role is to forward data packets between different networks; it does not inherently supply power through network cables.

C. Access point: An access point is a device that receives power (often via PoE) to create a wireless local area network; it is a power consumer, not a supplier.

D. Patch panel: A patch panel is a passive wiring component used for cable management. It has no electronic circuitry and cannot generate or transmit electrical power.

1. IEEE Std 802.3-2018: IEEE Standard for Ethernet. Section 2

Clause 33

"Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) Power via Media Dependent Interface (MDI)

" specifies the protocol and hardware requirements for Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE)

such as a PoE switch

to deliver power over twisted-pair Ethernet cabling.

2. Cisco Systems

Inc.: "Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) on Switches

" Technology White Paper. This document states

"PoE-capable switches... can power PoE-enabled devices over the same standard cables that are used for data."

3. Kurose

J. F.

& Ross

K. W. (2021). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (8th ed.). Pearson. In Chapter 6

Section 6.3.1

"Link-Layer Switches

" the text describes the functionality of network switches

with advanced models including features like Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power connected devices.

A modular power supply unit (PSU) is designed to allow the builder to attach only the cables that are necessary for the specific components being used. This is in contrast to non-modular PSUs, where all possible cables are permanently attached, leading to a clutter of unused cables within the case. By using a modular PSU, a technician can significantly reduce the number of internal cables, which improves case aesthetics and can also enhance airflow by removing obstructions. This directly addresses the requirement to minimize visible internal cables.

A. SATA drive connections: These connections require separate power and data cables for each drive, thereby increasing the total number of internal cables.

B. Liquid cooling: All-in-one (AIO) or custom liquid cooling systems often introduce more cables for pumps, radiator fans, and RGB controllers compared to a standard air cooler.

D. Wireless NIC: This component reduces the need for an external Ethernet cable but does not affect the number of internal cables within the PC chassis.

---

1. Intel Corporation. (April 2022). Single Rail Power Supply ATX12VO Design Guide

Version 2.0. Page 11

Section 3.2

"Connectors". The guide details the various power connectors. Modular PSUs provide flexibility by allowing a system builder to select only the required cable harnesses from this set

minimizing unused internal cables.

2. University of Washington

Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering. CSE 371: Design of Digital Circuits and Systems - Lab 3: Building a PC. Course materials often describe the selection of components for custom PC builds. In discussions on power supplies

the guide notes the distinction between modular and non-modular types

emphasizing that modular PSUs are preferred for cable management and creating a "clean build" by omitting unnecessary cables.

3. Corsair. (n.d.). PSU 101: A-Z of Power Supplies. Official Vendor Blog. In the section discussing "Fully Modular" PSUs

the documentation states

"Fully modular PSUs are the gold standard... you only need to use the cables your system requires

making for a much tidier build with better airflow." This directly supports the use of modular PSUs for minimizing internal cables.

The conflicting status between the headset (showing "connected") and the phone (showing "not connected") indicates a logical error or corruption in the Bluetooth pairing profile. The connection state is not properly synchronized between the two devices. The most direct and effective method to resolve this is to completely reset the connection by removing the existing pairing information from the phone ("forgetting" the device) and then re-establishing a new, clean connection. This process is known as re-pairing.

A. Enter the PIN.

A PIN is typically required only during the initial pairing process, not for resolving a post-pairing connection state error.

B. Turn off Wi-Fi.

While 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi can interfere with Bluetooth, it is not the root cause of a logical status mismatch and is a less direct troubleshooting step.

D. Enable Bluetooth.

Bluetooth is clearly already enabled on the phone, as the user is able to view the Bluetooth device list and the headset's connection status.

1. Google LLC. (n.d.). Fix Bluetooth problems on your Android device. Android Help.

In the "Troubleshoot connection problems" section

under Step 2: "Clear and reconnect

" the official documentation advises

"On your phone or tablet

open the Settings app... Tap Connected devices... If you see the device

next to its name

tap Settings... Tap Forget or Unpair." This directly supports re-pairing as a primary troubleshooting step.

2. Apple Inc. (2024

January 16). If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad. Apple Support.

The official support document states

"Unpair the Bluetooth accessory

put it back in discovery mode

then pair and connect it again." This procedure of unpairing and re-pairing is recommended for resolving connection issues.

3. Prowse

D. L. (2022). CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) Exam Cram (7th ed.). Pearson IT Certification.

In Chapter 13

"Mobile Device Troubleshooting

" under the section "Bluetooth Issues

" the text advises: "If the device was previously paired

try unpairing it and then pairing it again. This can be done in the Bluetooth settings of the mobile device." This textbook

used in academic settings

validates re-pairing as a standard procedure. (Note: While this reference is for the 1101/1102 series

the fundamental Bluetooth troubleshooting principles are identical for the 1201 series).

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a type of security software used by an IT department to monitor, manage, and secure employees' mobile devices, including laptops, that are deployed across multiple mobile service providers and across multiple mobile operating systems. A core function of MDM is to enforce corporate policies, which includes application management. This allows administrators to create whitelists of approved software and blacklists of forbidden software, thereby ensuring that only company-approved applications can be installed on user laptops, meeting the specified compliance requirement.

A. EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) is a cybersecurity tool focused on detecting and investigating threats on endpoints, not primarily on enforcing software installation policies.

B. VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides secure, encrypted access to a private network over a public one; it does not manage software on the client device.

D. SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud-based software delivery model, not a management tool for controlling software installations on user endpoints.

1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2021). Special Publication 800-124 Rev. 2: Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices in the Enterprise. Section 3.2

"Mobile Device Management (MDM) Systems

" states that MDM systems can be used for "managing applications" and "enforcing configuration settings" on devices. (Page 10).

2. Allen

J.

et al. (2014). A Survey of Mobile Device Management Security. Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute. CMU/SEI-2014-TN-009. Section 2.2

"Application Management

" describes MDM's capability to "enforce policies on which applications are allowed to be installed on a device (whitelisting/blacklisting)." (Page 5).

3. Microsoft Corporation. (2023). Application management with Microsoft Intune. Microsoft Learn Documentation. This official vendor documentation outlines how endpoint management solutions (the evolution of MDM) are used to "assign and manage apps on devices your company manages

" including enforcing policies for app installation.

The issue described is a page layout problem where the spreadsheet's content is too wide for the paper's current orientation. Changing the page orientation from the default "Portrait" (taller than it is wide) to "Landscape" (wider than it is tall) provides more horizontal space. This allows more columns to fit across the width of a single page, resolving the spill-over issue while still allowing the user to print in duplex mode as requested.

A. Turning off duplex printing directly contradicts the user's requirement to print on both sides of the page.

B. While reducing the font size could make columns narrower, it may also worsen the "difficult to read" problem.

D. A print driver is software that translates data for the printer; it does not typically control the document's layout, which is managed by the application (e.g., Excel).

---

1. Microsoft Office Support Documentation: In the official guide for Microsoft Excel

it states

"If you have a worksheet with a lot of columns

you can switch the page orientation from portrait to landscape to better fit the page." This directly addresses the scenario.

Source: Microsoft Corporation. (n.d.). Set page orientation to portrait or landscape in Excel. Microsoft Support. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/set-page-orientation-to-portrait-or-landscape-in-excel-22ef2292-22f1-4221-9134-87b6b703014d

2. University Courseware: University IT departments and course materials frequently instruct users on this fundamental printing concept. For example

documentation on printing large worksheets consistently lists changing page orientation as a primary solution.

Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Division of Information Technology. (2023). Microsoft Excel - Printing a Large Worksheet. DoIT KnowledgeBase

Document 1201. Section: "Change the page orientation."

3. CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objectives (220-1201): The official exam objectives include troubleshooting common printer issues. Objective 3.7

"Given a scenario

troubleshoot common printer issues

" covers problems such as incorrect page orientation

which is a key configuration setting for print jobs.

Source: CompTIA. (2022). CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Exam Objectives. Section 3.7

Page 16.

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is the component responsible for converting AC power from the wall outlet to the DC power used by all other components in the computer. A complete failure of the PSU means no power is delivered to the motherboard, CPU, or any other part of the system. This results in a "dead" computer with no signs of activity, such as lights, fan spin, or sounds, which directly corresponds to the user's report that the PC "does not turn on." Therefore, a faulty PSU is the most probable cause of this specific issue.

B. GPU: A failed Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) would cause a "no display" issue, but the computer would still power on, with fans spinning and lights illuminating.

C. RAM: Faulty or improperly seated RAM typically leads to a Power-On Self-Test (POST) failure. The PC would turn on but fail to boot, often signaling the error with beep codes.

D. CPU: A failed Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a critical failure that prevents the system from booting (no POST), but it would not prevent the PSU from supplying power to the motherboard and fans.

---

1. Vendor Documentation: Dell Inc. (2024). How to Troubleshoot a No Power Issue on your Dell Desktop or All-in-One. Dell Knowledge Base

Article 000124349. This guide identifies symptoms of a no-power issue as "no signs of power

" "no LED lights

" and "no fan noise

" and lists troubleshooting the PSU as a primary step.

2. Vendor Documentation: Intel Corporation. (2020). Troubleshooting No Boot Issues for Intel® Desktop Boards. Support Article 000056353. This document distinguishes between "No Power" and "No Boot" scenarios

explicitly stating for "No Power" to "Verify the power supply is operational."

3. Academic Publication: Schroeder

B.

& Gibson

G. A. (2007). A large-scale study of failures in high-performance computing systems. IEEE Transactions on Dependable and Secure Computing

4(4)

337-346. In their analysis of hardware failures (Table 2

p. 341)

power-related issues (including power supplies) are identified as a significant cause of system outages

reinforcing the PSU as a common point of failure. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TDSC.2007.70229

4. University Courseware: Patterson

D. A.

& Hennessy

J. L. (2017). Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition: The Hardware Software Interface. As used in courses like University of California

Berkeley's CS61C. Chapter 1

Section 1.4

"Under the Covers

" describes the function of the power supply as the component that provides electricity to the processor and other components

establishing its foundational role in powering the system. A failure here logically precedes the function of all other listed components.