The answer is a failing network interface card (NIC). This is the correct choice because a NIC that is marginal or overheating will often work fine under low-bandwidth tasks like web browsing, but when you transfer large files, the sustained high data throughput generates additional heat and stress, causing the NIC to drop the connection or fail entirely. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between software issues and hardware failures—a common trap is to blame the router or cable, but the key clue is that the problem only occurs during high-bandwidth activity. Remember the memory tip: “Big files, big heat, NIC defeat.”
220-1101 Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network troubleshooting. 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 complains that their desktop computer loses network connectivity every time a large file is transferred. The issue does not occur during normal web browsing. What hardware component is most likely at fault?
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 network interface card (NIC) is failing.
This is a classic symptom of a failing or overheating network interface card (NIC). High data throughput generates heat, and a marginal NIC may fail under sustained load, while low-bandwidth tasks work fine.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 CPU is overheating.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect—CPU overheating would cause system-wide crashes, not just network drops during file transfers.
✗
The power supply unit is underpowered.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect—an underpowered PSU would cause random shutdowns or instability, not isolated network drops.
✓
The network interface card (NIC) is failing.
Why this is correct
Correct—a failing NIC can handle low traffic but fails under high throughput due to heat or hardware defects.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The Ethernet cable is too long.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect—cable length issues cause signal degradation at all speeds, not just during large transfers.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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.
Network Troubleshooting — This question tests Network Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The network interface card (NIC) is failing. — This is a classic symptom of a failing or overheating network interface card (NIC). High data throughput generates heat, and a marginal NIC may fail under sustained load, while low-bandwidth tasks work fine.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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