hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a network where…
A technician is troubleshooting a network where one workstation intermittently loses connectivity. The cable run is 85 meters and passes through a conduit with several sharp bends. The cable tester shows intermittent shorts. Which cabling issue is most likely?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ exams often test the distinction between length-related attenuation and physical damage symptoms, so the trap here is that candidates see '85 meters' and immediately assume a length violation, ignoring the intermittent shorts and sharp bends that indicate a physical crush.
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 cable is being pinched or crushed in the conduit.
The cable tester indicates intermittent shorts, which are classic symptoms of physical damage to the cable. The 85-meter run with sharp bends in the conduit creates a high risk of the cable being pinched or crushed, leading to conductor contact or insulation breakdown. This physical stress causes intermittent connectivity issues, not a length or interference problem.
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 is too long for the network standard.
Why it's wrong here
85 meters is within the 100-meter limit for most Ethernet standards.
- ✓
The cable is being pinched or crushed in the conduit.
Why this is correct
Sharp bends or crushing can damage the cable's internal conductors, causing intermittent shorts.
- ✗
The cable is unshielded and picking up EMI.
Why it's wrong here
EMI typically causes signal degradation, not physical shorts detected by a cable tester.
- ✗
The cable is a flat patch cable used for a permanent run.
Why it's wrong here
Flat cables are less durable but would not specifically cause intermittent shorts from bending.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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