Quick Answer
The answer is Cat6a. This cable is the correct choice because it supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet at 50 meters with substantial headroom, as its official specification allows 10 Gbps up to 100 meters. The key technical concept here is that while standard Cat6 can also handle 10 Gbps, it is limited to a maximum distance of 55 meters, making Cat6a the safer and more reliable option for a 50-meter run, especially in a data center where signal integrity and future-proofing matter. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your knowledge of Ethernet cabling standards and their distance limitations—a common trap is assuming Cat6 is always sufficient, but the exam often highlights the margin of safety. A useful memory tip is to think of the “a” in Cat6a as standing for “augmented,” meaning it goes the full 100-meter distance for 10 Gbps, while standard Cat6 only makes it about halfway.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 company is deploying 10 Gigabit Ethernet in a data center and needs cabling that supports this speed over a distance of 50 meters. Which cable type should be selected?
Cat5e
Why wrong: Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps, not 10 Gbps.
Cat6
Why wrong: Cat6 supports 10 Gbps only up to 55 meters, so 50 meters is within spec, but Cat6a is more reliable for that distance.
Cat6a
Cat6a supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, making it the best choice for 50-meter runs in a data center.
Cat3
Why wrong: Cat3 is for voice or 10 Mbps Ethernet, not suitable for 10 Gbps.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Cat6a
Cat6a supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, making it suitable for this distance. Cat6 supports 10 Gbps only up to 55 meters, so it would also work but with less margin. Cat5e is limited to 1 Gbps, and Cat3 is for voice.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Cat5e
Why it's wrong here
Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps, not 10 Gbps.
Cat6
Why it's wrong here
Cat6 supports 10 Gbps only up to 55 meters, so 50 meters is within spec, but Cat6a is more reliable for that distance.
Cat6a
Why this is correct
Cat6a supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, making it the best choice for 50-meter runs in a data center.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Cat3
Why it's wrong here
Cat3 is for voice or 10 Mbps Ethernet, not suitable for 10 Gbps.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
Cabling — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Cabling — This question tests Cabling — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Cat6a — Cat6a supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, making it suitable for this distance. Cat6 supports 10 Gbps only up to 55 meters, so it would also work but with less margin. Cat5e is limited to 1 Gbps, and Cat3 is for voice.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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