The answer is a cable tester, which is the correct tool to verify network link status and speed for a wired workstation. A cable tester works by sending signals through the Ethernet cable to check for proper pin-to-pin connectivity, shorts, opens, and miswires, and it can also report the negotiated link speed (e.g., 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps) by analyzing the physical layer connection between the NIC and the switch. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between troubleshooting tools: a cable tester is used for physical layer issues like a faulty cable, whereas a loopback plug tests the NIC itself, and a toner probe traces cables through walls. A common trap is confusing the cable tester with a multimeter, but the cable tester is specifically designed for Ethernet link verification and speed detection. Memory tip: think “Cable tester checks the copper, not the computer”—if other devices work on the same switch, the problem is likely in the physical cable path, not the network configuration.
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 wired workstation cannot connect to the internet, but other devices on the same switch work fine. You need to verify the link status and speed of the workstation's network adapter. Which tool should you use?
A cable tester can check for continuity, shorts, and link status on Ethernet cables, directly addressing the need to verify the physical connection.
B
Multimeter
Why wrong: A multimeter measures electrical properties like voltage and resistance, not link status or speed of a network connection.
C
Toner probe
Why wrong: A toner probe is used to trace cables within walls or patch panels, not to verify link status or speed.
D
Loopback plug
Why wrong: A loopback plug tests the network adapter itself by sending and receiving signals, but it doesn't verify link status or speed with a switch.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cable tester
This question tests knowledge of basic network troubleshooting tools. The cable tester is designed to verify physical connectivity and link status of Ethernet cables, making it the correct choice for checking the workstation's connection.
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.
✓
Cable tester
Why this is correct
A cable tester can check for continuity, shorts, and link status on Ethernet cables, directly addressing the need to verify the physical connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Multimeter
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter measures electrical properties like voltage and resistance, not link status or speed of a network connection.
✗
Toner probe
Why it's wrong here
A toner probe is used to trace cables within walls or patch panels, not to verify link status or speed.
✗
Loopback plug
Why it's wrong here
A loopback plug tests the network adapter itself by sending and receiving signals, but it doesn't verify link status or speed with a switch.
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 — This question tests knowledge of basic network troubleshooting tools. The cable tester is designed to verify physical connectivity and link status of Ethernet cables, making it the correct choice for checking the workstation's connection.
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 small office has intermittent connectivity issues. The technician needs to verify that the Ethernet cable from the wall jack to the workstation meets T568A wiring standards. Which tool is most appropriate for this task?
easy
A.Multimeter
✓ B.Cable tester with wire map
C.Toner and probe
D.Crimper
Why B: A cable tester with wire-map functionality verifies that each pin is connected to the correct pin at the other end, confirming T568A or T568B compliance. A multimeter can only check continuity, not pin-to-pin mapping. A toner/probe identifies cables, and a crimper attaches connectors.
Variation 2. A user complains that their wired connection drops randomly for a few seconds then reconnects. The technician suspects electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby power cables. Which tool can best confirm the presence of excessive EMI on the network cable?
easy
A.Multimeter
✓ B.Cable tester
C.Loopback plug
D.Spectrum analyzer
Why B: A cable tester with a wire map function can detect signal degradation caused by EMI, often showing intermittent faults or crosstalk. A multimeter measures voltage/continuity but not EMI on data cables. A loopback plug tests NIC functionality, and a spectrum analyzer is overkill for simple EMI detection in this context.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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