CompTIA 220-1201 glossary of mobile, hardware, networking, cloud, and troubleshooting terms.
Use this glossary for rapid recall, not as your main study method. When a term still feels vague after reading the definition, go back to the relevant lesson page and relearn it in context.
| Term | Fast meaning | Start here if it still feels fuzzy |
|---|---|---|
| APIPA | Automatic private address in the 169.254.0.0/16 range that usually signals a DHCP failure path |
2.2 TCP/IP & SOHO |
| Bluetooth | Short-range wireless technology used for accessories, headsets, keyboards, and tethered peripherals | 1.2 Ports & Docking |
| DDR | Double data rate memory generation such as DDR4 or DDR5 | 3.1 Boards, CPUs & Memory |
| DFU mode | Device Firmware Update mode used for deeper iPhone or iPad recovery | 1.4 Mobile Troubleshooting |
| DHCP | Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, the service that hands out IP settings automatically | 2.2 TCP/IP & SOHO |
| DNS | Domain Name System, which translates hostnames to IP addresses | 2.1 Ports & Services |
| Hypervisor | Software layer that hosts virtual machines | 4.1 Virtualization & Labs |
| LDAPS | LDAP wrapped in TLS so directory lookups are protected in transit | 2.1 Ports & Services |
| M.2 | Physical form factor used by some SSDs, Wi-Fi cards, and expansion modules | 3.3 Storage & RAID |
| NFC | Near-field communication, a very short-range wireless technology used for pairing and tap actions | 1.2 Ports & Docking |
| NVMe | Non-Volatile Memory Express, a high-speed storage protocol usually carried over PCIe | 3.3 Storage & RAID |
| PBQ | Performance-based question that asks you to apply support logic, not only definitions | FAQ |
| PCIe | Internal expansion path used for graphics cards, some SSDs, and other add-in hardware | 3.4 Cables & Ports |
| PoE | Power over Ethernet, which sends electrical power over network cabling to devices like APs or cameras | 2.4 Tools & Cabling |
| RAID | Redundant Array of Independent Disks, storage layouts that trade off performance and fault tolerance | 3.3 Storage & RAID |
| SMART | Storage health reporting system that surfaces warning signs on drives | 3.3 Storage & RAID |
| SOHO | Small office or home office environment | 2.2 TCP/IP & SOHO |
| Thunderbolt | High-speed interface over compatible USB-C hardware that may carry data, video, and power | 3.4 Cables & Ports |
| UEFI | Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, the modern firmware environment that replaced older BIOS behavior in many systems | 3.1 Boards, CPUs & Memory |
| VDI | Virtual desktop infrastructure, where desktops run centrally and are delivered to users remotely | 4.2 Cloud Models & VDI |
| WPS | Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a convenience feature that is usually a bad security choice in SOHO setups | 2.3 Wireless & SOHO |
| Pair | Quick distinction |
|---|---|
| M.2 vs NVMe | M.2 is a form factor; NVMe is a storage protocol |
| PCIe vs SATA | PCIe is an expansion path; SATA is a storage interface |
| SATA vs NVMe | SATA is slower and older; NVMe usually rides over PCIe and is faster |
| BIOS vs UEFI | BIOS is the older firmware model; UEFI is the newer one with richer boot and security features |
| Snapshot vs backup | Snapshot is a short-term state capture; backup is the safer recovery copy |
| Hotspot vs tethering | Hotspot usually shares mobile data as Wi-Fi; tethering can also mean USB or Bluetooth sharing |
| USB-C vs Thunderbolt | USB-C is a connector shape; Thunderbolt is a higher-end feature set on some compatible ports |
| 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz vs 6 GHz | 2.4 reaches farther but crowds easily; 5 and 6 GHz usually give better throughput with shorter range |
| Ghosting vs streaking | Ghosting often points to fuser or drum behavior; streaking often points to toner, drum, or contamination patterns |
| If you keep missing questions about… | Go back to… |
|---|---|
| device accessories, docking, or mobile radio settings | 1. Mobile |
| ports, naming, DHCP, Wi-Fi, or small-office setup | 2. Network |
| component fit, storage, connectors, or printers | 3. Hardware |
| VM basics, thin clients, or cloud model wording | 4. Cloud |
| fault classification and first troubleshooting steps | 5. Troubleshooting |
169.254.x.x usually means a DHCP path problemRAID 10 means redundancy plus strong performance, but it needs more disksWPA3 is better than WPA2, and WEP is not acceptable todaySnapshots are not safe substitutes for true backupsUSB-C shape alone does not guarantee video or Thunderbolt supportGo back to the cheat sheet for fast review or the study plan if you need a more structured prep order.