The answer is to use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone. This is correct because a PoE injector adds electrical power to the existing Cat6 Ethernet cable, allowing the VoIP phone to receive both data and power through a single cable run, eliminating the need for a separate power outlet. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cabling and power delivery concepts, often appearing as a troubleshooting or configuration question where a technician must choose between a PoE switch, injector, or a traditional power adapter. A common trap is selecting a power adapter or assuming the wall jack already provides power—remember, standard Ethernet jacks carry data only unless the network uses PoE. Memory tip: think “injector for one, switch for many”—a PoE injector is the simplest, cheapest fix for a single device when you lack a PoE switch.
220-1201 Cabling Practice Question
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 technician is installing a new VoIP phone for a user. The user's desk already has a Cat6 wall jack, but the phone requires both network connectivity and a separate power source. The technician has a limited number of power outlets nearby. What is the simplest solution?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone.
This question tests knowledge of Power over Ethernet (PoE) as a cabling-related concept. The correct answer is to use a PoE switch or injector, which sends power over the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter.
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.
✗
Run a new power extension cord from the nearest outlet.
Why it's wrong here
This is a temporary fix but not the simplest or most professional solution for a permanent install.
✓
Use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone.
Why this is correct
A PoE injector adds power to the Ethernet cable, allowing the phone to receive both data and power over one cable.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Replace the Cat6 cable with a USB-C cable for power.
Why it's wrong here
USB-C is not used for Ethernet in this context and would not provide network connectivity.
✗
Install a wireless bridge to eliminate the cable.
Why it's wrong here
A wireless bridge would still require power for the phone and adds complexity, not simplicity.
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: Use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone. — This question tests knowledge of Power over Ethernet (PoE) as a cabling-related concept. The correct answer is to use a PoE switch or injector, which sends power over the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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