The answer is to label both ends of each cable with a unique identifier. This practice is fundamental to structured cabling best practices because it creates a clear, traceable path from the patch panel to the wall jack, directly supporting efficient labeling and documentation. When cables run through a drop ceiling, they become hidden and difficult to trace; without labels at both endpoints, a technician would have to tone out each line manually, wasting hours during future troubleshooting. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of minimizing downtime through proper installation habits—a common trap is assuming labeling only one end is sufficient, or relying on color-coding alone. Remember the memory tip: “Two ends, one ID” to ensure every cable has a unique identifier at both the source and destination, making moves, adds, and changes painless.
220-1201 Cabling Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 small office is installing new network drops in a drop ceiling for employee workstations. The IT manager wants to minimize future troubleshooting. Which cabling practice should be followed during installation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Label both ends of each cable with a unique identifier.
This question tests best practices for structured cabling, specifically labeling and documentation. Proper labeling at both ends of each cable run simplifies future troubleshooting and maintenance. The correct answer emphasizes this fundamental practice.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use crossover cables for all workstation connections.
Why it's wrong here
Crossover cables are for device-to-device connections, not for connecting workstations to switches.
✗
Run cables parallel to electrical wiring to save space.
Why it's wrong here
Running parallel to electrical wiring increases EMI risk, which can cause intermittent issues.
✓
Label both ends of each cable with a unique identifier.
Why this is correct
Labeling helps with identification and troubleshooting, especially in dense installations.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use flat ribbon cables for all long runs.
Why it's wrong here
Flat ribbon cables are not rated for long runs and are more prone to interference.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Cabling — This question tests Cabling — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Label both ends of each cable with a unique identifier. — This question tests best practices for structured cabling, specifically labeling and documentation. Proper labeling at both ends of each cable run simplifies future troubleshooting and maintenance. The correct answer emphasizes this fundamental practice.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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