The answer is a straight-through Ethernet cable. This is the correct choice because straight-through cables are designed to connect different types of devices, such as a cable modem to a router, where the transmit pins on one device align with the receive pins on the other. In contrast, crossover cables are used to connect similar devices, like two computers or two switches, by swapping the transmit and receive pairs. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of Ethernet cable standards and their practical applications in network setups. A common trap is assuming all device-to-device connections require a crossover cable, but modern routers and modems use Auto-MDIX to automatically adjust, though the exam expects you to know the traditional rule. For a quick memory tip, remember: “Straight for different, crossover for similar.”
220-1201 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. 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 needs to connect a new router to a cable modem using an Ethernet cable. The modem has an RJ45 port, and the router has an RJ45 WAN port. Which cable type should be used for this connection?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Straight-through cable
A straight-through Ethernet cable is used to connect different device types, such as a modem to a router. Crossover cables are for connecting similar devices like two computers. This tests knowledge of Ethernet cable standards and their applications.
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.
✗
Rollover cable
Why it's wrong here
Rollover cables are used for console connections to network devices, not for standard Ethernet links.
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Crossover cable
Why it's wrong here
Crossover cables are for connecting two similar devices (e.g., PC to PC), not a modem to a router.
✓
Straight-through cable
Why this is correct
Straight-through cables are standard for connecting devices of different types, such as a modem to a router.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Fiber optic cable
Why it's wrong here
Fiber optic is not used with RJ45 ports; it requires specialized connectors and transceivers.
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
Similar concept trap
Crossover cables are for connecting two similar devices (e.g., PC to PC), not a modem to a router.
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.
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Straight-through cable — A straight-through Ethernet cable is used to connect different device types, such as a modem to a router. Crossover cables are for connecting similar devices like two computers. This tests knowledge of Ethernet cable standards and their applications.
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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Question Discussion
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