220-1201 Networking Practice Question
A user reports that their workstation cannot connect to any network resources. The technician notices the network cable is plugged into the wall jack and the NIC, but the link light is off. Which of the following should the technician check FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is jumping to logical configuration issues like IP or DNS when the physical link light is off, which clearly points to a Layer 1 problem.
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 patch cable and wall jack for physical damage or loose connection.
The link light off indicates a physical layer problem. The first step is always to check the physical connection: cable, wall jack, and NIC port. This is the most efficient troubleshooting step and aligns with the bottom-up troubleshooting methodology. Other options are higher-layer issues that would not cause the link light to be off.
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 IP address configuration on the workstation.
Why it's wrong here
The IP address configuration is irrelevant when the link light is off. A missing or incorrect IP address would not cause the physical link light to turn off. The link light indicates physical layer connectivity. Checking IP configuration first wastes time because the problem is clearly at a lower layer.
- ✗
The firewall rules on the workstation.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules control traffic flow but do not affect the physical link light. A firewall misconfiguration would not cause the NIC link light to go dark. The absence of a link light points to a physical connection problem. Firewall settings are irrelevant until the physical link is established.
- ✗
The DNS server settings in the operating system.
Why it's wrong here
DNS settings affect name resolution, not physical link status. If the link light is off, the workstation has no network connectivity at all, so DNS is not the immediate concern. Checking DNS would be premature and would not restore the physical link. The issue must be resolved at Layer 1 first.
- ✓
The patch cable and wall jack for physical damage or loose connection.
Why this is correct
The link light being off indicates a physical layer issue. The first step is to verify the cable is securely connected and undamaged, and that the wall jack is active. This is the most likely cause and the quickest to check. Reseating or replacing the cable often resolves the problem.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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