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220-1201 Practice Question: That their internet connection drops out…
A user reports that their internet connection drops out frequently, especially during rainstorms. They have a dish mounted on their roof. Which connection type are they most likely using?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between 'rain fade' affecting satellite connections versus other connection types that are weather-resistant, leading candidates to mistakenly choose cable or DSL because they associate 'dish' with TV rather than internet.
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
✓
Satellite
Satellite internet (Option C) is the correct answer because the user's dish is mounted on the roof, and the connection drops out during rainstorms—a phenomenon known as 'rain fade.' Rain attenuates the Ku-band or Ka-band radio frequencies (typically 12–18 GHz or 26–40 GHz) used by satellite systems, causing signal loss. Fiber-optic, cable, and DSL are terrestrial connections that do not use a roof-mounted dish and are not significantly affected by rain.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Fiber-optic
Why it's wrong here
Fiber-optic internet transmits data as pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic. These cables are typically buried underground or strung overhead in protective conduits, making them highly resistant to environmental factors like rain, snow, or wind. While physical damage to the cable itself could disrupt service, atmospheric conditions such as heavy rainfall do not interfere with the light signals traveling within the fiber.
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Cable broadband
Why it's wrong here
Cable broadband utilizes coaxial cables, which are primarily installed underground or securely attached to utility poles. Data is transmitted as electrical signals over these shielded copper lines. The robust design and installation methods of coaxial cable infrastructure provide significant protection against external elements, meaning heavy rain typically has no direct impact on the signal integrity or service reliability for cable internet users.
- ✓
Satellite
Why this is correct
Satellite internet relies on radio frequency signals transmitted between a ground-based dish, an orbiting satellite, and a network operations center. These signals travel through the atmosphere, and their strength can be significantly attenuated by dense moisture, such as heavy rain, snow, or even thick clouds. This phenomenon, known as "rain fade," directly interferes with the line-of-sight communication, causing intermittent service drops or complete outages during adverse weather conditions.
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DSL
Why it's wrong here
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) internet service operates over existing copper telephone lines, transmitting data frequencies separate from voice calls. These phone lines are part of a well-established, largely protected infrastructure, often buried or run in weather-resistant conduits. While severe physical damage to the lines themselves could cause issues, atmospheric conditions like heavy rainfall do not directly interfere with the electrical signals carried over the copper wires, ensuring consistent service.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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