The answer is a multimode fiber patch cable with LC connectors. This is correct because SFP+ ports are designed for use with fiber optic or direct attach copper (DAC) cables, and for 10 gigabit Ethernet, multimode fiber with LC connectors is the standard short-range solution in data centers, typically supporting distances up to 300 meters. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of 10GbE connectivity options and the physical interfaces used with SFP+ transceivers. A common trap is choosing Cat6a or Cat7, but those are for copper RJ45 ports, not SFP+ cages—SFP+ modules require fiber or DAC, not twisted pair. Remember the memory tip: “SFP+ loves light, not copper wire; for short runs, multimode LC is your fire.”
220-1201 Cabling Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is installing a new server in a data center and needs to connect it to a 10GbE switch. The server has an SFP+ port, and the switch also has SFP+ ports. The technician has a selection of cables: Cat6a, Cat7, multimode fiber with LC connectors, and single-mode fiber with SC connectors. Which cable should the technician use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Multimode fiber patch cable with LC connectors.
This question tests knowledge of 10GbE connectivity options. The correct answer is multimode fiber with LC connectors, as SFP+ ports typically use fiber or DAC cables, and multimode fiber with LC is common for short-range 10GbE in data centers.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Cat6a cable with RJ45 connectors.
Why it's wrong here
Cat6a can support 10GbE but only up to 55 meters, and it requires an RJ45 SFP+ module, which is less common than fiber.
✗
Cat7 cable with RJ45 connectors.
Why it's wrong here
Cat7 is not a recognized standard for 10GbE in most data centers, and it still requires an RJ45 SFP+ module.
✓
Multimode fiber patch cable with LC connectors.
Why this is correct
Multimode fiber with LC connectors is standard for SFP+ 10GbE connections in data centers, offering reliable performance.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Single-mode fiber patch cable with SC connectors.
Why it's wrong here
Single-mode fiber is used for long distances, and SC connectors are less common with SFP+ than LC.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Cabling — This question tests Cabling — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Multimode fiber patch cable with LC connectors. — This question tests knowledge of 10GbE connectivity options. The correct answer is multimode fiber with LC connectors, as SFP+ ports typically use fiber or DAC cables, and multimode fiber with LC is common for short-range 10GbE in data centers.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is upgrading its network to support 10 Gbps connections between server racks. The distance between racks is 25 meters. Which cabling standard is most appropriate for this upgrade?
medium
A.Cat5e cable.
B.Cat6 cable.
✓ C.Cat6a cable.
D.Cat7 cable.
Why C: This question tests knowledge of cabling standards for high-speed Ethernet. Cat6a is rated for 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, making it suitable for this distance. The correct answer distinguishes Cat6a from Cat6, which has shorter 10 Gbps support.
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This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
Question Discussion
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