- A
The switch is not a managed switch and cannot prioritize traffic.
Why wrong: While QoS can help, the primary issue is port speed, not management features. A managed switch isn't required for basic throughput.
- B
The switch's ports are only 100 Mbps, causing a bottleneck when multiple users are active.
Correct. 10/100 switches limit each port to 100 Mbps, which can be saturated by multiple users, leading to packet loss and slowdowns.
- C
The router's uplink port is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Why wrong: The uplink is 1 Gbps, which is sufficient for 15 users. A faulty uplink would cause total disconnection, not just slowdown.
- D
The switch is a hub, not a switch, causing collisions.
Why wrong: The scenario states it's a switch, which uses MAC address tables to avoid collisions. Hubs cause collisions, but that's not the case here.
220-1201 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. 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 small office with 15 employees uses a single switch to connect all workstations. Users report that the network becomes extremely slow during peak hours, and some packets are being dropped. The switch is a 10/100 model with a 1 Gbps uplink to the router. What is the most likely cause of the slowdown?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The switch's ports are only 100 Mbps, causing a bottleneck when multiple users are active.
This question tests understanding of switch port speeds and network congestion. A 10/100 switch limits each workstation to 100 Mbps, which can cause bottlenecks with multiple users. Upgrading to a Gigabit switch would provide 1000 Mbps per port, alleviating the slowdown.
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.
- ✗
The switch is not a managed switch and cannot prioritize traffic.
Why it's wrong here
While QoS can help, the primary issue is port speed, not management features. A managed switch isn't required for basic throughput.
- ✓
The switch's ports are only 100 Mbps, causing a bottleneck when multiple users are active.
Why this is correct
Correct. 10/100 switches limit each port to 100 Mbps, which can be saturated by multiple users, leading to packet loss and slowdowns.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The router's uplink port is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Why it's wrong here
The uplink is 1 Gbps, which is sufficient for 15 users. A faulty uplink would cause total disconnection, not just slowdown.
- ✗
The switch is a hub, not a switch, causing collisions.
Why it's wrong here
The scenario states it's a switch, which uses MAC address tables to avoid collisions. Hubs cause collisions, but that's not the case here.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
The scenario states it's a switch, which uses MAC address tables to avoid collisions. Hubs cause collisions, but that's not the case here.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
- →
Common Networking Hardware — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The switch's ports are only 100 Mbps, causing a bottleneck when multiple users are active. — This question tests understanding of switch port speeds and network congestion. A 10/100 switch limits each workstation to 100 Mbps, which can cause bottlenecks with multiple users. Upgrading to a Gigabit switch would provide 1000 Mbps per port, alleviating the slowdown.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 220-1201 practice questions
- A customer reports that their laptop's touchpad is unresponsive after they spilled a small amount of liquid on the keybo…
- A technician is replacing a cracked screen on a smartphone. After removing the old screen, they notice a small, flat, re…
- A user complains that their tablet's battery drains very quickly, even when not in use. The device is one year old and w…
- A technician is installing a new SSD into a customer's laptop. After removing the bottom cover, they see the existing ha…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that will not charge. The battery is removable, and the power adapter works on…
- A customer brings in a smartphone with a broken charging port. They want the port replaced. During disassembly, the tech…
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.