Pass the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Questions and answers with CertsForce

The most likely action that would resolve the issue is to clean the keyboard. Sometimes dust, hair, and other debris can affect keyboard functionality. The technician can try to clean the keyboard as much as possible, which may be enough to get the keyboard back in working order

PaaS (Platform as a Service) is a cloud computing model in which a provider offers a platform that allows developers to create, run, and manage applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure. An application development environment is a valid use for PaaS. References: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives 1001, 1.7

In this situation, the MOST cost-effective cable medium that would not sacrifice system performance would be B. Shielded Cat 6. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt network connectivity by interfering with the signals transmitted over network cables. Shielded Cat 6 cables are designed to provide protection against EMI by incorporating a layer of shielding material around the cable’s conductors. This shielding helps to prevent EMI from interfering with the signals transmitted over the cable.

The correct answer is A. Install the latest graphics drivers.

The most likely cause of the external monitor not working after an operating system upgrade is that the graphics drivers are incompatible with the new version. Installing the latest graphics drivers from the manufacturer’s website or using Windows Update can resolve this issue. Replacing the monitor, restoring the operating system to the previous version, or reseating the external video adapter are not effective solutions for this problem.

After resolving an issue, it's crucial for a technician to document the findings, actions taken, and the outcome. This documentation serves several purposes: it provides a record of the problem and the solution for future reference, which can be helpful if the issue recurs or if similar problems arise with other users. It also ensures that any follow-up actions, if necessary, are well-informed by the history of the issue. Documenting the resolution process contributes to knowledge sharing among the support team and can improve the efficiency of future troubleshooting efforts.

The correct answer is B. Punchdown tool.

A punchdown tool is a device that can connect wires to a patch panel or a network jack by inserting them into the appropriate slots and cutting off the excess. A punchdown tool can be used to fix the damaged LAN ports by replacing the wires or reconnecting them to the correct terminals.

A cable stripper is a device that can remove the insulation from a cable to expose the wires inside. A cable stripper is not useful for fixing the damaged LAN ports, unless the technician needs to strip new wires before punching them down.

A crimper is a device that can attach connectors to the ends of cables, such as RJ-45 or RJ-11. A crimper is not useful for fixing the damaged LAN ports, unless the technician needs to replace the connectors on the cables.

A network tap is a device that can monitor and capture network traffic by creating a copy of the data passing through a network link. A network tap is not useful for fixing the damaged LAN ports, as it does not affect the connectivity of the network devices.

DDR5 SDRAM (Double Data Rate 5 Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is the latest and fastest type of RAM for desktop workstations as of 2023. DDR5 SDRAM offers higher speeds, lower power consumption, greater capacity, and improved reliability than previous generations of DDR SDRAM. DDR5 SDRAM can operate at frequencies up to 8400 MHz, compared to 3200 MHz for DDR4 SDRAM, which means it can transfer data faster and more efficiently. DDR5 SDRAM also supports dual-channel memory, which allows two memory modules to work together and double the bandwidth. DDR5 SDRAM is compatible with the latest Intel and AMD processors that support the DDR5 standard.

The other options are not as fast or suitable for a desktop workstation. DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and DDR4 SDRAM are older and slower types of RAM that have lower frequencies, higher voltages, and lower capacities than DDR5 SDRAM. DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and DDR4 SDRAM are not compatible with the latest processors that support DDR5 SDRAM, and require different motherboards and slots. DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and DDR4 SDRAM are more suitable for older or budget systems that do not require high performance or memory-intensive applications.

The screen needs to be recalibrated. The cursor drift is a common symptom of a misaligned touch screen, which can be caused by physical shocks, temperature changes, or software updates. The screen can be recalibrated using the tablet’s settings or a utility program. The screen is not physically damaged, as there is no visible crack or break. The screen rotation is not related to the cursor drift, as it only affects the orientation of the display. The touch-pen battery is not relevant, as the cursor drift occurs even without using the pen.

An SSD (solid state drive) is a removable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. It is secure, portable, and does not contain moving parts, which makes it more reliable and durable than other types of storage devices. An HDD (hard disk drive) is not suitable, as it contains spinning platters and read/write heads that are prone to damage and data loss. A NAS (network attached storage) and a SAN (storage area network) are not removable devices, as they are connected to a network and provide shared storage for multiple users.

A crimper is a tool that is used to attach connectors to network cables, such as RJ-45 or RJ-11. A technician might need a crimper to create a longer cable for the router access point or to replace a damaged connector.

A Wi-Fi analyzer is a software or hardware tool that can scan and measure the wireless signal strength, interference, channel usage, and security of a Wi-Fi network. A technician might need a Wi-Fi analyzer to find the optimal location and configuration for the router access point to improve the signal coverage for the SOHO client.

Relocating a router access point (AP) farther from the modem to optimize signal coverage involves two key aspects: physically extending the network connection (likely via Ethernet cabling) and ensuring the wireless signal is optimally placed. The CompTIA A+ Core 1 Study Guide emphasizes tools for cabling and wireless network configuration in such scenarios, aligning with Objective 2.6 ("Given a scenario, install and configure basic wired/wireless networks") and Objective 5.4 ("Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless network problems").

B. Crimper: A crimper is essential for creating or modifying Ethernet cables, such as attaching RJ45 connectors to twisted pair cabling (e.g., Cat 5e or Cat 6) to extend the connection from the modem to the new AP location. Since the AP is moving farther away, a longer Ethernet cable may be needed, and the technician might need to terminate a new cable or repair an existing one. This is a common task in SOHO network setups.

E. Wi-Fi analyzer: After relocating the AP, a Wi-Fi analyzer is used to assess signal strength, identify interference, and optimize placement for maximum coverage. This tool ensures the relocation achieves the goal of improving wireless performance, a critical step in the process.

Evaluation of Other Options:

A. Punchdown tool: Used to terminate wires into a patch panel or keystone jack, not typically for connecting a router AP directly to a modem via Ethernet. It’s less likely unless the relocation involves structured wiring termination, which isn’t implied here.

C. Clamp-style wire stripper: Useful for stripping insulation from wires during cable preparation, but it’s a secondary tool to a crimper, which both strips and attaches connectors. The crimper is more directly tied to completing the cable.

D. Network tap: A diagnostic tool for monitoring network traffic, not relevant to relocating or optimizing an AP’s signal coverage.

F. Loopback plug: Used to test network ports for functionality, not for cabling or wireless optimization in this scenario.

The combination of crimper (for physical connection) and Wi-Fi analyzer (for signal optimization) directly supports the relocation and coverage goals, making them the most likely tools.

Exact Extracts from the Study Guide:

From The Official CompTIA A+ Core 1 Study Guide (220-1101):

Section 2.2, Tools for Networking:

"Crimper: A crimper is used to attach connectors (such as RJ45) to the ends of twisted pair cabling. It presses the metal contacts in the connector into the wires to make a solid electrical connection. Many crimpers also include a stripper function to remove insulation from the cable."

Implication: The crimper is key for preparing Ethernet cables to extend the AP’s connection.

Section 2.6, Wireless Networking:

"Wi-Fi analyzer: A Wi-Fi analyzer is a software tool or handheld device that scans the wireless spectrum to identify signal strength, channel usage, and interference. It’s invaluable when setting up or troubleshooting wireless networks to ensure optimal access point placement and channel selection."

Implication: Essential for verifying and optimizing signal coverage after relocation.

Section 5.4, Troubleshooting Wired and Wireless Network Problems:

"Poor wireless signal—Use a Wi-Fi analyzer to check signal strength and interference… Relocate the access point to a more central location or away from obstructions… Ensure the wired connection to the access point is secure and within cable length specifications."

These excerpts confirm the crimper’s role in cabling and the Wi-Fi analyzer’s role in optimizing wireless performance, aligning with the task’s requirements.

Additional Reasoning:

Physical Relocation: Moving the AP farther from the modem likely requires extending the Ethernet cable connecting them. A crimper is the primary tool for creating a custom-length cable with RJ45 connectors, a common SOHO task.

Signal Optimization: The goal is to "optimize signal coverage," which involves more than just moving the AP—it requires verifying the new location improves Wi-Fi performance. A Wi-Fi analyzer provides data on signal strength and channel conflicts, ensuring the relocation succeeds.

SOHO Context: In a small office/home office, technicians often use basic tools like crimpers for cabling and software/apps (Wi-Fi analyzers) for wireless setup, rather than specialized tools like punchdown tools unless structured wiring is involved.

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is a network service that translates human-readable names (such as www.google.com) into numerical IP addresses (such as 172.217.14.206) that identify the location of the web servers on the internet. DNS also allows reverse lookup, which means finding the domain name associated with a given IP address. DNS servers are responsible for maintaining a database of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses, and responding to queries from clients who want to resolve a name to an address or vice versa12.

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, and it is a network service that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters (such as subnet mask, default gateway, DNS server, etc.) to devices that join a network. DHCP servers are responsible for managing a pool of IP addresses and leasing them to clients for a specified duration. DHCP servers also renew or release the IP addresses when the lease expires or the client disconnects from the network34.

The difference between DNS and DHCP is that DNS is used for address translation, which means converting domain names to IP addresses and vice versa, while DHCP is used for IP address assignment, which means providing IP addresses and other network settings to devices that need to communicate on a network.

A hybrid cloud model would best address the company’s needs of saving money by leveraging the cloud while still being able to customize the infrastructure. A hybrid cloud model is a combination of public and private cloud services, connected by a secure network. A public cloud service is a cloud service that is offered by a third-party provider over the Internet, and is shared by multiple customers. A private cloud service is a cloud service that is dedicated to a single customer, and is hosted either on-premises or by a third-party provider. A hybrid cloud model allows the company to use the public cloud for cost-effective and scalable services, such as storage, backup, or analytics, and use the private cloud for more sensitive or customized services, such as security, compliance, or performance. A hybrid cloud model also enables the company to move workloads between the public and private cloud as needed, depending on the demand, availability, or cost. A hybrid cloud model can provide the company with the best of both worlds: the flexibility and efficiency of the cloud, and the control and customization of the infrastructure.

The next step that the technician should take after replacing the battery in the phone is to check the device for malware. Malware is a malicious software that can infect the phone and cause various problems, such as overheating, battery drain, data theft, pop-up ads, or performance slowdowns. Malware can enter the phone through various sources, such as downloading apps from untrusted sources, clicking on suspicious links or attachments, or connecting to insecure Wi-Fi networks.

To check the device for malware, the technician can use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware app, such as the ones found in the web search results123. The technician can follow these steps:

Download and install the antivirus or anti-malware app from a trusted source, such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Launch the app and grant it the necessary permissions to scan the device.

Run a full scan of the device and wait for the results.

If the app detects any malware, follow the app’s instructions to remove or quarantine it.

Restart the device and check if the overheating and battery drain issues are resolved.

Other steps, such as checking the device for updates, checking the device for liquid damage, or checking the device’s charging adapter, may not be relevant or effective for solving the overheating and battery drain issues caused by malware. Checking the device for updates may improve the security and performance of the device, but it may not remove the existing malware. Checking the device for liquid damage may reveal physical damage to the device, but it may not explain the constant overheating and battery drain. Checking the device’s charging adapter may ensure the proper charging of the device, but it may not affect the device’s temperature or battery life when it is not plugged in.

The technician should ensure that a VGA cable is connected properly between the monitor and the computer. A VGA cable is a type of video cable that carries analog signals. If the cable is loose, damaged, or not plugged in correctly, it can cause the monitor to not display any image or show distorted colors. According to the CompTIA Core1 objectives, one of the common display issues is no image on screen. A troubleshooting guide for monitors also recommends checking the VGA cable connection as a possible solution for no signal or blank screen problems.

The next step that the technician should do is to have the user unplug the heater. This is because the heater may be causing electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI) that affects the signal transmission between the computer and the monitor. EMI and RFI are types of noise or distortion that can degrade the quality or integrity of data signals, especially in analog connections such as VGA. EMI and RFI can be generated by various sources, such as power lines, motors, fans, heaters, microwaves, radios, or cell phones. EMI and RFI can cause various symptoms on the monitor, such as flickering, ghosting, blurring, color shifting, or no display at all.

To troubleshoot EMI and RFI issues, the technician should follow these steps:

Identify the source of the interference. In this case, the heater is the most likely culprit, as it was added recently and is located close to the monitor or the cable.

Eliminate or reduce the interference. The technician should have the user unplug the heater or move it away from the monitor or the cable. The technician should also check if there are any other potential sources of interference nearby and remove or relocate them if possible.

Test the monitor. The technician should verify if the monitor is working properly after unplugging or moving the heater. If the monitor is still not working, the technician should try other troubleshooting steps, such as checking the display settings on the computer, ensuring the VGA cable is connected properly, or replacing the monitor.

RAID 0 is a disk array configuration that splits data across two or more disks without parity or mirroring. RAID 0 provides the best I/O performance because it allows parallel read and write operations on multiple disks. RAID 0 also provides the most storage capacity possible because it does not use any disk space for redundancy. However, RAID 0 does not provide any fault tolerance and increases the risk of data loss if any disk fails.

A USB adapter is a device that can plug into a USB port on a laptop and provide wireless connectivity to a network. A USB adapter can support different wireless standards, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.11ac. A USB adapter can also support different wireless frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

In this case, the user with an older laptop may not be able to connect to the office network after new access points were installed because the laptop’s built-in wireless card does not support the same wireless standard or frequency as the new access points. For example, if the new access points use 802.11ac and 5 GHz, and the laptop’s wireless card only supports 802.11g and 2.4 GHz, the laptop will not be able to communicate with the access points.

To quickly resolve this issue, the user should connect a new USB adapter that supports the same wireless standard and frequency as the new access points. This way, the user can bypass the laptop’s wireless card and use the USB adapter to connect to the office network wirelessly.

DisplayPort is a type of external monitor connection that provides the highest possible resolution for a PC. DisplayPort supports up to 8K resolution at 60 Hz, or 4K resolution at 120 Hz, with a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps. DisplayPort also supports audio, multiple monitors, and adaptive sync. DisplayPort is compatible with other types of connections, such as HDMI and DVI, with adapters.

MDM (Mobile Device Management) is a policy that allows the technician to remotely manage, secure, and monitor the personal devices that employees use for work purposes. MDM can enforce security settings, such as passwords, encryption, and antivirus software, on the personal devices. MDM can also remotely wipe or lock the devices in case of loss, theft, or termination of employment. MDM can protect company information by preventing unauthorized access, data leakage, or malware infection on the personal devices.

References

What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

Chapter 2: Networking