The correct first step is to check the IP address configuration on the PC to see if it has a valid address. A link light confirms physical layer connectivity—the cable, NIC, and switch port are electrically sound—but no network activity points to a layer 3 or configuration problem rather than a hardware fault. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between physical and logical issues; a common trap is jumping to replace the cable or NIC when the link light is on. Remember that a steady link light only guarantees the wire is good, not that the device has a proper IP lease or gateway. The memory tip here is “Link light, no fight—check the IP right,” meaning if the physical link is active but traffic stalls, always verify addressing before swapping parts.
220-1201 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. 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 desktop computer cannot connect to the internet, but other devices on the same network work fine. You check the patch cable from the wall jack to the PC and find it is a Cat5e cable. The PC's network adapter shows a link light, but no activity. What should you do first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the IP address configuration on the PC to see if it has a valid address.
This question tests basic network troubleshooting steps. A link light indicates physical connectivity, but no activity suggests a configuration issue. Checking the IP address assignment is the logical first step before replacing hardware.
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.
✗
Replace the Cat5e cable with a Cat6 cable.
Why it's wrong here
Cat5e supports gigabit speeds and is not the cause. Replacing it without diagnosing the issue is premature.
✓
Check the IP address configuration on the PC to see if it has a valid address.
Why this is correct
Correct. A link light with no activity often indicates a DHCP issue or static IP misconfiguration. Checking IP settings is the next logical step.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Reboot the switch in the wiring closet.
Why it's wrong here
Since other devices work, the switch is likely fine. Rebooting it would disrupt other users unnecessarily.
✗
Replace the network adapter in the PC.
Why it's wrong here
The link light indicates the adapter is functioning. Replacing it without further testing is not warranted.
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.
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the IP address configuration on the PC to see if it has a valid address. — This question tests basic network troubleshooting steps. A link light indicates physical connectivity, but no activity suggests a configuration issue. Checking the IP address assignment is the logical first step before replacing hardware.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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