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220-1201 Practice Question: A client in a dense urban apartment building…
A client in a dense urban apartment building wants internet service but cannot install a satellite dish due to HOA rules. They have a phone line but no cable TV outlet. Which connection type is most practical and cost-effective?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests connection types based on availability and constraints; candidates might overlook the lack of cable outlet and HOA restriction, incorrectly choosing cable or satellite.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DSL
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses existing telephone lines to provide internet access, making it the most practical and cost-effective option when cable TV outlets are unavailable and satellite dishes are prohibited. DSL is widely available in urban areas and does not require new cabling.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cable broadband
Why it's wrong here
Cable broadband utilizes the same coaxial cable infrastructure as cable television, relying on Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) standards to transmit data. For a client in an apartment building, the absence of a pre-installed coaxial outlet means the necessary physical connection for a cable modem is unavailable. Installing new coaxial wiring in an existing apartment unit can be complex, costly, and often requires landlord or building management approval, making it an impractical solution.
- ✓
DSL
Why this is correct
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology delivers internet access over standard copper telephone lines, leveraging higher frequencies than those used for voice calls. This means it can operate simultaneously with traditional phone service without requiring new wiring, provided a phone jack is present. In dense urban apartment buildings, existing telephone infrastructure is almost universally available, making DSL a readily accessible and cost-effective option for internet connectivity.
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Satellite
Why it's wrong here
Satellite internet requires a clear line of sight to an orbiting satellite and the installation of an external dish antenna, typically on a roof or balcony. In a dense urban apartment building, obstructions from other buildings, lack of direct access to suitable mounting locations, or strict Homeowners Association (HOA) rules often prohibit such installations. Furthermore, satellite internet typically suffers from higher latency compared to terrestrial options, which can impact real-time applications.
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Fiber-optic
Why it's wrong here
Fiber-optic internet, delivering data via light pulses through glass strands, offers superior speeds and reliability. However, its availability depends on whether the building or neighborhood has been equipped with Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) or Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB) infrastructure. Many older urban apartment buildings may not have this advanced wiring installed, and the cost of extending fiber to individual units can be prohibitive for both providers and tenants, making it a less guaranteed option.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.