Quick Answer
The correct answer is an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). This device is essential because fiber optic internet transmits data as light pulses, which cannot be used directly by standard home networking equipment; the ONT converts those optical signals into electrical Ethernet signals that a router can distribute. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of physical network infrastructure and the specific termination hardware required for different connection types—a common trap is confusing the ONT with a cable modem or DSL modem, which serve coax and phone lines respectively. When studying for the exam, remember that any fiber installation in an apartment or home will always require an ONT at the endpoint, often installed near an interior wall or in a utility closet. A simple memory tip: “ONT = Optical Network Terminal = light to electricity,” and if you see “fiber,” think “ONT,” not modem.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of internet connection types. 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 customer is moving into a new apartment building that has a fiber optic terminal in the basement. They want the fastest possible internet. What equipment will the technician need to install inside the apartment to complete the connection?
A cable modem
Why wrong: A cable modem is used for cable internet, not fiber.
A DSL modem
Why wrong: A DSL modem is used for DSL internet over phone lines.
An Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
The ONT converts fiber optic signals to Ethernet, which then connects to a router.
A satellite modem
Why wrong: A satellite modem is used with satellite dishes, not fiber.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
An Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
Fiber internet requires an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to convert the optical signal to electrical signals for use by a router. A cable modem is for coax, a DSL modem is for phone lines, and a satellite modem is for satellite dishes.
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.
A cable modem
Why it's wrong here
A cable modem is used for cable internet, not fiber.
A DSL modem
Why it's wrong here
A DSL modem is used for DSL internet over phone lines.
An Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
Why this is correct
The ONT converts fiber optic signals to Ethernet, which then connects to a router.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
A satellite modem
Why it's wrong here
A satellite modem is used with satellite dishes, not fiber.
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.
Internet Connection Types — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Internet Connection Types — This question tests Internet Connection Types — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) — Fiber internet requires an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to convert the optical signal to electrical signals for use by a router. A cable modem is for coax, a DSL modem is for phone lines, and a satellite modem is for satellite dishes.
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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