- A
Use a single 120-meter Cat6 cable.
Why wrong: Cat6 cable is limited to 100 meters for 1 Gbps; exceeding this distance will cause signal degradation and loss of connectivity.
- B
Install a switch at the 60-meter midpoint and use two Cat6 cables.
A switch can regenerate the signal, allowing two 60-meter cable runs to connect the switches, staying within the 100-meter limit per segment.
- C
Use a fiber optic cable with media converters on both ends.
Why wrong: Fiber optic cable can cover 120 meters easily, but this option is more expensive and complex than necessary. It is a valid solution but not the most straightforward for the scenario.
- D
Replace one switch with a hub to increase signal strength.
Why wrong: A hub does not regenerate signals as effectively as a switch and would cause collisions and performance issues. It is not a recommended solution for extending distance.
Quick Answer
The answer is to install a switch at the 60-meter midpoint and use two Cat6 cables. This is correct because standard Ethernet over twisted-pair copper cabling, such as Cat5e or Cat6, has a hard distance limitation of 100 meters for reliable 1 Gbps transmission due to signal attenuation. A switch acts as a repeater, regenerating the digital signal and effectively resetting the 100-meter distance limit at its ports, allowing you to extend the network beyond 100 meters by breaking a 120-meter run into two compliant 60-meter segments. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Ethernet specifications and the role of active network devices in overcoming physical layer limitations. A common trap is choosing a simple coupler or a longer cable, which would not regenerate the signal and would cause data loss. Remember the memory tip: “Switch to split the stretch”—if the run exceeds 100 meters, insert a switch to reset the distance clock.
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 technician is deploying a new network in a warehouse and needs to connect two separate switches that are 120 meters apart. The cable run must support 1 Gbps speeds. Which networking hardware component should be used to ensure reliable connectivity?
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
Install a switch at the 60-meter midpoint and use two Cat6 cables.
This question tests knowledge of Ethernet distance limitations and the use of repeaters or switches to extend networks. Standard Cat5e/6 cabling is limited to 100 meters for 1 Gbps. Since the distance is 120 meters, a switch (which acts as a repeater) can be placed in the middle to regenerate the signal. The correct answer is to use a switch in between, as it will extend the network while maintaining speed.
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 a single 120-meter Cat6 cable.
Why it's wrong here
Cat6 cable is limited to 100 meters for 1 Gbps; exceeding this distance will cause signal degradation and loss of connectivity.
- ✓
Install a switch at the 60-meter midpoint and use two Cat6 cables.
Why this is correct
A switch can regenerate the signal, allowing two 60-meter cable runs to connect the switches, staying within the 100-meter limit per segment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a fiber optic cable with media converters on both ends.
Why it's wrong here
Fiber optic cable can cover 120 meters easily, but this option is more expensive and complex than necessary. It is a valid solution but not the most straightforward for the scenario.
- ✗
Replace one switch with a hub to increase signal strength.
Why it's wrong here
A hub does not regenerate signals as effectively as a switch and would cause collisions and performance issues. It is not a recommended solution for extending distance.
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
Fiber optic cable can cover 120 meters easily, but this option is more expensive and complex than necessary. It is a valid solution but not the most straightforward for the scenario.
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.
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Common Networking Hardware — study guide chapter
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Common Networking Hardware practice questions
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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: Install a switch at the 60-meter midpoint and use two Cat6 cables. — This question tests knowledge of Ethernet distance limitations and the use of repeaters or switches to extend networks. Standard Cat5e/6 cabling is limited to 100 meters for 1 Gbps. Since the distance is 120 meters, a switch (which acts as a repeater) can be placed in the middle to regenerate the signal. The correct answer is to use a switch in between, as it will extend the network while maintaining speed.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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