220-1101 Exam Dumps - CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1

M.2 SSD and NVMe interface are the best options for storage devices and interfaces that provide the best performance. M.2 SSD is a form factor that allows for faster data transfer and lower power consumption than traditional SATA SSDs. NVMe is a protocol that enables direct communication between the SSD and the PCIe bus, bypassing the SATA controller and reducing latency and overhead. Together, they offer the highest speed and efficiency for storage devices.

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.

A sandbox is a virtual environment that allows testing or running applications without affecting the main system. A sandbox can isolate the applications from the rest of the system, preventing any unwanted changes, errors, or security risks. A sandbox can also be easily reset to the initial state, discarding any modifications or data generated by the applications12.

A sandbox is a useful tool for stress testing multiple applications, as it can:

•Simulate different scenarios and conditions for the applications, such as high load, low memory, network latency, etc.

•Monitor and measure the performance, stability, and resource consumption of the applications under stress.

•Compare and analyze the results of different applications or different versions of the same application.

•Identify and fix any bugs, errors, or vulnerabilities in the applications before deploying them to the main system.

PCle (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a type of expansion slot that connects network interface cards (NICs) and other devices to the motherboard. PCle slots have different sizes and speeds, such as x1, x4, x8, x16, and x32. PCle slots are faster and more versatile than older types of expansion slots, such as AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) and IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics).

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.

Thermal paste is a substance that fills in any gaps between a CPU and its heat sink, which is a device that dissipates heat from the CPU. Without adequate thermal paste, the CPU may overheat and cause the system to shut down automatically to prevent damage. This is especially likely when running 4K video or games, which are more demanding and generate more heat. The technician should check if the CPU heat sink was attached properly and apply enough thermal paste to ensure good contact and heat transfer. Reference: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/a-core-series-combined-content-guide (page 28)

The correct answer is D. Sandboxing.

Sandboxing is a security technique that isolates email attachments in a safe place until the attachments can be scanned for malware. A sandbox is a virtual environment that mimics the operating system and applications of the user, but prevents any changes or damage to the actual system. A sandbox can also monitor the behavior and activity of the attachments and detect any malicious code or actions12.

An approve listing is a security technique that allows only trusted or authorized email senders or domains to be received by the user. An approve listing can help reduce spam and phishing emails, but it does not scan or isolate email attachments for malware3.

A screened subnet is a security technique that creates a buffer zone between the internal network and the internet. A screened subnet uses firewalls and routers to filter and control the traffic that enters and exits the network. A screened subnet can help protect the network from external attacks, but it does not scan or isolate email attachments for malware.

Cross-platform virtualization is a technology that allows running multiple operating systems and applications on the same physical machine. Cross-platform virtualization can help improve efficiency, flexibility, and compatibility, but it does not scan or isolate email attachments for malware.

The correct answer is B. Check the power supply wattage rating.

A possible cause of the desktop randomly shutting down during operations is that the power supply is not able to provide enough power for the high-end graphics card. The power consumption of today’s graphics cards has increased a lot, and the top models demand between 110 and 270 watts from the power supply1. Therefore, the technician should check the power supply wattage rating and make sure it is sufficient for the graphics card and the rest of the components. Confirming the power supply is grounded, checking whether the power supply is redundant, or confirming the power cables are well connected are not likely to solve this problem.