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220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their VoIP phone…
A user complains that their VoIP phone intermittently loses connectivity. The phone is connected to a switch via a 50-meter run of solid-core Cat6 cable. You suspect interference from nearby fluorescent lights. Which cabling characteristic is most relevant to this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
In the CompTIA A+ exam, this question tests understanding of how electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources like fluorescent lights affects UTP cabling and the importance of using shielded twisted-pair (STP). The trap is that candidates may incorrectly attribute the issue to cable length or termination, overlooking that interference is a shielding problem, not a distance or connector issue.
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 not shielded (STP).
Fluorescent lights generate electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can disrupt data transmission over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling. Shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable includes a conductive shield that protects against EMI, making it the relevant characteristic for this issue. The user's intermittent connectivity is likely caused by EMI coupling onto the UTP cable, and using STP would mitigate this.
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 not properly terminated with RJ45 connectors.
Why it's wrong here
Improper termination usually causes complete failure, not intermittent interference.
- ✓
The cable is not shielded (STP).
Why this is correct
UTP cable lacks shielding, making it vulnerable to EMI from nearby electrical equipment.
- ✗
The cable length exceeds the maximum for Cat6.
Why it's wrong here
Cat6 supports up to 100 meters, so 50 meters is well within limits.
- ✗
The cable is a crossover cable.
Why it's wrong here
Crossover cables are used for direct device connections, not related to interference.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.