hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A user's workstation has intermittent…
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between a cable tester and a multimeter, trapping candidates who think a multimeter can fully validate Ethernet cabling because it can measure continuity, but it cannot detect split pairs or verify pinout compliance.
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
✓
Cable tester; it can detect split pairs
A cable tester is the correct tool because it verifies continuity, detects shorts, and confirms the correct pinout (e.g., T568A/B) of an Ethernet cable. A key feature is its ability to detect split pairs, which can cause crosstalk and intermittent connectivity even if continuity appears fine, as the pairs are not properly twisted.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Cable tester; it can detect split pairs
Why this is correct
A cable tester is the appropriate tool because it performs continuity tests on each individual wire within the cable and verifies the correct pinout sequence according to established wiring standards like T568A or T568B. It specifically identifies split pairs, which occur when two wires that should be part of a twisted pair are instead used in different pairs, leading to increased crosstalk, signal degradation, and the intermittent connectivity issues described. This diagnostic capability is crucial for accurately troubleshooting physical layer network problems.
- ✗
Toner probe; it can measure signal strength
Why it's wrong here
A toner probe, used in conjunction with a tone generator, is designed solely for tracing and identifying specific cables within a bundle or wall by emitting an audible tone that can be detected. While highly effective for physically locating cables, it lacks the sophisticated circuitry required to perform electrical tests such as measuring signal strength, detecting continuity errors, or identifying complex wiring faults like split pairs. Therefore, it cannot diagnose the root cause of intermittent network connectivity.
- ✗
Multimeter; it can measure resistance
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter is a versatile electrical testing device capable of measuring basic electrical properties like voltage, current, and resistance, and can perform simple continuity checks to determine if a circuit is open or closed. While it could confirm if a wire is completely broken (no continuity), it cannot analyze the specific pairing of wires within an Ethernet cable or detect subtle wiring errors like split pairs, which require a more sophisticated pinout verification. Its diagnostic scope is too limited for complex network cable faults.
- ✗
Loopback plug; it can simulate network traffic
Why it's wrong here
A loopback plug is specifically designed to test the functionality of a network interface card (NIC) by sending data out and immediately receiving it back, effectively "looping" the signal. This verifies that the NIC's transmit and receive circuitry are operational. However, a loopback plug does not connect to the network cable itself and therefore cannot diagnose any physical cable faults, such as split pairs, shorts, or breaks, which are the suspected cause of intermittent connectivity.
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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.