The answer is a cable continuity tester, because it is the most efficient tool for diagnosing broken wires in Ethernet cables by sending a low-voltage signal through each conductor and verifying the circuit is complete without shorts or opens. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between network troubleshooting tools: while a multimeter can also check continuity, it requires disconnecting the cable and testing each wire individually, making it far slower for a quick field diagnosis. A common trap is confusing a cable tester with a toner and probe, which identifies cables in a bundle rather than testing wire integrity, or a crimper, which repairs connectors. Remember the memory tip: “Tester for breaks, toner for traces”—if the link light is solid but there’s no connectivity, grab the continuity tester first.
220-1201 Networking Tools Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of networking tools. 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 user reports that their computer cannot access any network resources, but the link light on the NIC is solid. The technician suspects a faulty cable. Which tool can quickly test the cable's continuity and detect a broken wire?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cable tester
A cable tester sends signals through each wire in the cable and checks for continuity, shorts, or opens. A multimeter can test continuity but requires disconnecting the cable and testing each wire individually, which is less efficient. A toner/probe identifies cables, and a crimper repairs them.
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.
✗
Multimeter
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter can test continuity, but it is slower and less convenient than a dedicated cable tester for network cables.
✓
Cable tester
Why this is correct
A cable tester quickly checks all eight wires for continuity, shorts, and proper pinout, making it the ideal tool for diagnosing a faulty cable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Toner and probe
Why it's wrong here
A toner and probe is used to trace cables, not to test their electrical integrity.
✗
Crimper
Why it's wrong here
A crimper is used to attach connectors, not to test cables.
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.
Networking Tools — This question tests Networking Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cable tester — A cable tester sends signals through each wire in the cable and checks for continuity, shorts, or opens. A multimeter can test continuity but requires disconnecting the cable and testing each wire individually, which is less efficient. A toner/probe identifies cables, and a crimper repairs them.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user's workstation has intermittent connectivity issues. You suspect the Ethernet cable might be damaged or improperly terminated. You need to test the cable for continuity, shorts, and correct pinout. Which tool should you use, and what is a key feature of this tool?
hard
✓ A.Cable tester; it can detect split pairs
B.Toner probe; it can measure signal strength
C.Multimeter; it can measure resistance
D.Loopback plug; it can simulate network traffic
Why A: This question tests detailed knowledge of cable testers. A cable tester can check for continuity, shorts, and pinout configuration, often displaying results like 'pass' or 'fail' and identifying which pair is faulty.
Variation 2. You are deploying a new VoIP phone and need to ensure the Ethernet cable from the wall jack to the phone is properly terminated and has no shorts. The cable appears to be wired correctly but you want to confirm. Which tool should you use?
medium
A.Toner probe
B.Loopback plug
✓ C.Cable tester
D.Multimeter
Why C: This question tests understanding of cable verification tools. A cable tester checks for continuity, shorts, and proper wiring, making it essential for verifying Ethernet cable integrity before deploying a VoIP phone.
Variation 3. During a network cable installation, a technician needs to verify that a newly run Cat6 cable is properly terminated and free of shorts or opens. The cable is not yet connected to any switch or device. Which tool should the technician use?
easy
A.Tone generator and probe
B.Multimeter
✓ C.Cable tester
D.Loopback plug
Why C: A cable tester sends signals down each wire pair and checks for continuity, shorts, opens, and miswiring. Because the cable is not connected to live equipment, a cable tester is the correct tool for this verification.
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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.
Question Discussion
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