The answer is a cable tester. This tool is the correct choice because it verifies continuity, correct wiring pairs, and signal integrity in Ethernet cables, which directly addresses the symptom of intermittent network drops caused by a faulty physical connection between the switch and router. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between tools for physical layer troubleshooting versus network layer issues—a common trap is choosing a toner probe (which traces cables but doesn’t test signal quality) or a multimeter (which checks voltage, not data integrity). Remember that a cable tester is your go-to for any suspected broken or miswired Ethernet cable causing drops, while a loopback plug or network tap serves different diagnostic roles. A simple memory tip: if the problem is in the wire, a cable tester is your fire.
220-1101 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. 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 small office uses a network switch with 24 RJ45 ports to connect all workstations. The switch is connected to the router via a single uplink port. Users report intermittent network drops. The technician suspects a faulty cable between the switch and router. Which tool should be used to test the cable?
Why wrong: This tool is used to trace cables in walls or identify which cable corresponds to a specific port, not to test cable integrity.
B
Loopback plug
Why wrong: A loopback plug is used to test a network interface card (NIC) by sending data back to itself, not to test a cable.
C
Cable tester
A cable tester checks for shorts, opens, and wiring errors in an Ethernet cable, confirming if the cable is faulty.
D
Multimeter
Why wrong: A multimeter can measure voltage, resistance, and continuity, but it is not designed for detailed Ethernet cable testing like signal integrity.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cable tester
A cable tester verifies continuity, wiring, and signal integrity in Ethernet cables. This is the correct tool to diagnose a faulty physical connection between the switch and router.
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.
✗
Tone generator and probe
Why it's wrong here
This tool is used to trace cables in walls or identify which cable corresponds to a specific port, not to test cable integrity.
✗
Loopback plug
Why it's wrong here
A loopback plug is used to test a network interface card (NIC) by sending data back to itself, not to test a cable.
✓
Cable tester
Why this is correct
A cable tester checks for shorts, opens, and wiring errors in an Ethernet cable, confirming if the cable is faulty.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Multimeter
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter can measure voltage, resistance, and continuity, but it is not designed for detailed Ethernet cable testing like signal integrity.
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.
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cable tester — A cable tester verifies continuity, wiring, and signal integrity in Ethernet cables. This is the correct tool to diagnose a faulty physical connection between the switch and router.
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.
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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