220-1201 Sample Questions & Answers

Network Time Protocol (NTP) is the correct service to configure for resolving time synchronization issues. NTP synchronizes computer clocks across networks by connecting to authoritative time sources. In a domain environment, servers should sync with domain controllers or designated NTP servers to maintain accurate timestamps, which are critical for authentication, logging, and scheduled tasks. Port 123/UDP is used for NTP communication.

Mini-LED is the best choice for this scenario. Mini-LED technology uses thousands of tiny LEDs for backlighting, enabling precise local dimming zones that deliver exceptional contrast ratios and near-OLED black levels without the burn-in risk associated with OLED displays. This makes Mini-LED ideal for professional graphic design where static elements might remain on screen for extended periods. Mini-LED also offers high brightness levels and excellent HDR performance.

Type 1 (bare-metal) hypervisor is correct for this scenario. Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the physical hardware without needing a host OS, providing better performance, security isolation, and lower latency compared to Type 2 hypervisors. Examples include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V Server, and Citrix XenServer. This architecture eliminates the overhead of a host OS and provides direct hardware access for optimal VM performance.

Using one physical SIM and one eSIM profile is the best configuration for dual-carrier support. eSIM (embedded SIM) is a programmable chip built into the device that can be activated remotely using a QR code or carrier app. This dual-SIM configuration allows simultaneous use of two carriers without requiring two physical SIM slots, enabling separate personal and business lines on one device with easy profile management.

Containers are the ideal solution for this requirement. Containers package applications with their dependencies into portable units that share the host OS kernel, making them much lighter than VMs. Technologies like Docker create isolated environments without the overhead of full operating systems, enabling consistent deployment across development, testing, and production environments. Containers start faster, use fewer resources, and provide the portability needed for modern DevOps workflows.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is the correct solution for providing centrally managed remote desktops. VDI hosts desktop environments on centralized servers in the data center, allowing users to access their desktops from any device through thin clients or web browsers. This ensures all data remains secure in the corporate data center, simplifies management and updates, provides consistent user experience across devices, and enables better security control and compliance.

Checking and replacing the thermal paste is the next logical step. When thermal paste degrades or dries out, it loses its ability to efficiently transfer heat from the CPU to the heat sink, causing overheating even with clear vents and working fans. Symptoms include high temperatures, maximum fan speeds, and thermal shutdowns. Reapplying quality thermal paste often resolves persistent overheating issues when external airflow is not the problem.

This condition is called port flapping, and faulty network cables are the most common cause. Port flapping occurs when a switch port rapidly cycles between connected and disconnected states, often due to damaged cables, loose connections, or electromagnetic interference. Other causes can include faulty NICs, duplex mismatches, or spanning tree issues, but physical layer problems like bad cables account for the majority of port flapping incidents. This creates intermittent connectivity and degrades network performance.

DisplayPort 1.4 provides the best performance for this scenario. It offers 32.4 Gbps bandwidth, supporting 4K at 120Hz with HDR, and 8K at 60Hz. DisplayPort 1.4 includes Display Stream Compression (DSC) for higher resolutions and refresh rates, supports HDR10, and provides better color depth than other options. While HDMI 2.1 is capable, DisplayPort 1.4 is preferred for professional video editing due to its superior bandwidth and feature set.

Performing an immediate backup is the critical first step. RAID 5 can tolerate only one drive failure, and clicking sounds indicate impending failure of a second drive. If the clicking drive fails before the array is rebuilt, all data will be lost. The technician must prioritize data preservation by backing up the array while it's still accessible, even in degraded mode. After backup completion, then address drive replacement and array rebuilding.