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220-1201 Practice Question: A small office has a single switch connecting all…
A small office has a single switch connecting all workstations. Users report that they can see each other on the network but cannot access the internet. The router's link light is off. What should the technician check first?
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
✓
Check the Ethernet cable between the switch and router.
The link light being off indicates a physical layer problem between the switch and router. The most common cause is a faulty or loose cable, so checking the cable connection is the logical first step in network troubleshooting.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the switch.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the switch is an incorrect troubleshooting step because the problem description implies that workstations can communicate with each other on the local network. This functionality confirms the switch's core Layer 2 forwarding capabilities are operational. The issue lies with connectivity beyond the switch, specifically upstream towards the router or internet, indicating the switch itself is not the root cause of the network outage.
- ✓
Check the Ethernet cable between the switch and router.
Why this is correct
Checking the Ethernet cable between the switch and router is the correct first step because a 'dead link light' is a direct indicator of a physical layer (Layer 1) issue. The cable is the most common and simplest point of failure in a network connection. Verifying its integrity, ensuring it is properly seated, or replacing it can quickly resolve many connectivity problems before moving to more complex diagnostics.
- ✗
Reboot all workstations.
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting all workstations would not resolve a physical link problem between the switch and router. Workstation reboots primarily address client-side software issues, operating system glitches, or temporary network adapter malfunctions. Since the symptom points to a lack of physical connectivity between two core network devices, client-side actions are irrelevant and will not restore the upstream network link.
- ✗
Update the router's firmware.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the router's firmware is an inappropriate response to a dead link light, as firmware issues typically manifest as software-related problems like routing errors, performance degradation, or security vulnerabilities, not a complete lack of physical link. A dead link light signifies a hardware-level communication failure, such as a faulty cable, port, or network interface card. Firmware updates would not magically activate a physically disconnected or non-functional port.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.