The answer is that the crossover cable is not the cause of the internet access issue. While a crossover cable directly connects two like devices, such as two computers, most modern network switches include Auto-MDIX, which automatically detects and corrects for the cable type, allowing a crossover cable to function normally for local and internet traffic. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between physical-layer problems and higher-layer configuration issues; the common trap is assuming a crossover cable blocks internet access, when in reality the symptom of local access but no internet points to a missing default gateway, DNS misconfiguration, or router problem. Remember the memory tip: “Crossover for cross-device, but Auto-MDIX crosses out the worry”—modern gear handles it, so look elsewhere when local works but the internet doesn’t.
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 technician is troubleshooting a network issue where a user's computer can access local resources but cannot reach the internet. The user's cable is connected to a wall jack that leads to a patch panel in the server room. The technician tests the cable and finds it is wired as a crossover cable. What is the most likely impact?
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 crossover cable is not the cause of the internet issue.
This question tests understanding of crossover cables and modern networking. The correct answer is that most modern switches have Auto-MDIX, so a crossover cable may still work, but if the switch is older, it could cause connectivity issues. However, the symptom of local access but no internet suggests a different problem, so the crossover cable is likely not the issue.
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 crossover cable will prevent any network connectivity.
Why it's wrong here
Auto-MDIX on modern switches allows crossover cables to function normally, so this is not necessarily true.
✗
The crossover cable will cause intermittent connectivity.
Why it's wrong here
Intermittent issues are not typical of a crossover cable; it either works or doesn't.
✓
The crossover cable is not the cause of the internet issue.
Why this is correct
Since the user has local access, the crossover cable is functioning, and the internet issue is likely elsewhere (e.g., router, DNS).
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 crossover cable will only work at 100 Mbps.
Why it's wrong here
Crossover cables can support Gigabit speeds if properly constructed.
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 crossover cable is not the cause of the internet issue. — This question tests understanding of crossover cables and modern networking. The correct answer is that most modern switches have Auto-MDIX, so a crossover cable may still work, but if the switch is older, it could cause connectivity issues. However, the symptom of local access but no internet suggests a different problem, so the crossover cable is likely not the issue.
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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