The answer is that a cable with pins 1 and 2 swapped with pins 3 and 6 at one end is wired as a crossover cable, which will cause an 'Unidentified Network' error if Auto-MDIX is disabled. This specific pin swap effectively turns a straight-through cable into a crossover, reversing the transmit and receive pairs. On modern switches and NICs, Auto-MDIX automatically detects and corrects for such wiring, but if that feature is turned off or unsupported, the mismatched pairs prevent proper handshaking, leading to a link light without network connectivity. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Ethernet wiring standards (T568A vs. T568B) and the role of Auto-MDIX—a common trap is assuming a solid link light guarantees data flow. Remember the memory tip: "Swap 1-2 with 3-6, and you've got a crossover fix."
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 technician is troubleshooting a network drop where the link light on the switch port is solid but the computer shows 'Unidentified Network'. The cable run is 80 meters and uses Cat5e. The technician tests the cable and finds that pins 1 and 2 are swapped with pins 3 and 6 at one end. What is the most likely result?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The cable is wired as a crossover, which may cause the 'Unidentified Network' if Auto-MDIX is disabled.
This question tests understanding of Ethernet wiring errors. The correct answer is that a swap of pairs 1-2 and 3-6 creates a crossover cable, which may still work with Auto-MDIX, but if not, it can cause a 'No Link' or 'Unidentified Network' error.
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 cable will work at 100 Mbps but not at 1000 Mbps.
Why it's wrong here
A crossover cable can work at either speed if Auto-MDIX is enabled; the issue is not speed-specific.
✗
The cable will not work at all because it is a crossover cable.
Why it's wrong here
Many modern switches support Auto-MDIX, so a crossover cable can still function.
✗
The cable will cause intermittent connectivity.
Why it's wrong here
A wiring swap is a constant condition, not intermittent.
✓
The cable is wired as a crossover, which may cause the 'Unidentified Network' if Auto-MDIX is disabled.
Why this is correct
A crossover cable can cause network issues if the switch does not have Auto-MDIX enabled, leading to an 'Unidentified Network' error.
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.
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: The cable is wired as a crossover, which may cause the 'Unidentified Network' if Auto-MDIX is disabled. — This question tests understanding of Ethernet wiring errors. The correct answer is that a swap of pairs 1-2 and 3-6 creates a crossover cable, which may still work with Auto-MDIX, but if not, it can cause a 'No Link' or 'Unidentified Network' error.
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.
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