The answer is the patch cables are Cat5e instead of Cat6a. This is the most likely cause because a cable certifier validates the permanent link—the in-wall cabling—against Category 6a standards, but it does not test the patch cables connecting the device to the wall jack. If those patch cables are only rated for Cat5e, they cannot reliably support frequencies above 100 MHz, which forces the link to fall back to 100 Mbps even though the permanent run passes certification. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that certification and actual speed negotiation are separate processes; a common trap is to assume a passing certifier result guarantees full gigabit performance. Remember the memory tip: “The permanent link may pass, but the patch cable is the bottleneck in the glass.” Always verify the entire end-to-end path, not just the in-wall run.
220-1201 Cabling Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. 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 customer reports that their new Cat6a installation passes a cable certifier test but the link only negotiates at 100 Mbps. The cable run is 90 meters and uses standard T568B terminations. What is the most likely cause of the speed limitation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The patch cables are Cat5e instead of Cat6a.
This question tests advanced knowledge of cable certification and speed negotiation. A cable certifier tests for compliance, but if the cable passes, the issue may be with the patch cables or connectors, which can degrade performance even if the permanent link is good. The correct answer identifies the patch cables as the likely weak point.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 cable run exceeds the maximum length for Cat6a.
Why it's wrong here
Cat6a supports up to 100 meters, so 90 meters is within limits.
✗
The switch port is configured for 100 Mbps only.
Why it's wrong here
This is possible but less likely if the certifier test passed; the issue is more likely physical.
✓
The patch cables are Cat5e instead of Cat6a.
Why this is correct
Using Cat5e patch cables can bottleneck the link to 100 Mbps, even if the permanent link is Cat6a.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The cable is terminated in T568A instead of T568B.
Why it's wrong here
Both standards work as long as both ends match; this would not cause a speed drop.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Cabling — This question tests Cabling — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The patch cables are Cat5e instead of Cat6a. — This question tests advanced knowledge of cable certification and speed negotiation. A cable certifier tests for compliance, but if the cable passes, the issue may be with the patch cables or connectors, which can degrade performance even if the permanent link is good. The correct answer identifies the patch cables as the likely weak point.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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