The best cable type for VoIP phones is Cat6a UTP, as it supports the higher frequencies and bandwidth needed for reliable voice data transmission and Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivery, while also offering backward compatibility with existing network hardware. VoIP phones rely on Ethernet cabling to carry both digital voice packets and electrical power from a PoE switch, so the cable must handle the required data rates without interference or signal loss. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of cabling standards and their practical applications in a small office environment—a common trap is choosing Cat5e as “sufficient,” but the exam emphasizes future-proofing with Cat6a for better performance and reduced crosstalk. Remember the memory tip: “Six is the fix for future voice”—Cat6a ensures your VoIP system won’t need recabling as network demands grow.
220-1201 Cabling Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 setting up a new VoIP phone system. The IT staff must run new cabling to each desk. Which cable type is most appropriate for connecting VoIP phones to the network?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cat5e UTP
VoIP phones typically use Ethernet for data and power (PoE). Cat6a supports higher frequencies and is backward compatible, making it ideal for future-proofing. Cat5e is also sufficient but Cat6a offers better performance.
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.
✗
Coaxial cable
Why it's wrong here
Coaxial is used for cable TV or internet modems, not for VoIP phones directly.
✓
Cat5e UTP
Why this is correct
Cat5e supports 1000 Mbps and Power over Ethernet (PoE), making it suitable for VoIP phones. It is a standard choice.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Fiber optic cable
Why it's wrong here
Fiber is used for long distances or high bandwidth, but it is overkill and expensive for desk phones. It also does not support PoE.
✗
Serial cable
Why it's wrong here
Serial cables are used for legacy devices or console connections, not for modern VoIP phones.
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: Cat5e UTP — VoIP phones typically use Ethernet for data and power (PoE). Cat6a supports higher frequencies and is backward compatible, making it ideal for future-proofing. Cat5e is also sufficient but Cat6a offers better performance.
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.
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Question Discussion
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