hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is called to a home where the…
A technician is called to a home where the customer reports that their cable internet works fine, but the TV service has pixelated channels. The technician suspects a signal issue. What is the most appropriate tool to measure the signal strength and quality on the coaxial line?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the distinction between tools used for RF coaxial signals versus fiber optics, leading candidates to confuse an OTDR (fiber) with a cable tester (coaxial) when the scenario clearly involves a cable TV service.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A cable tester (signal level meter)
A cable tester (signal level meter) is the correct tool because it measures both signal strength (in dBmV) and signal quality (SNR or MER) on a coaxial line, which directly diagnoses pixelation caused by poor signal levels or noise. The technician needs to verify that the RF signal from the cable provider meets the required thresholds (typically -10 to +10 dBmV for downstream) to ensure clear TV reception.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A tone generator and probe
Why it's wrong here
A tone generator and probe is a diagnostic tool primarily used for identifying and tracing specific cables within a bundle or through walls and conduits. The tone generator injects an audible signal onto a cable, which the probe then detects, allowing a technician to pinpoint the correct line. However, this tool provides no quantitative data regarding signal strength, quality, or the integrity of data transmission on the cable itself.
- ✗
A multimeter
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter is a fundamental electrical testing device designed to measure basic electrical properties such as AC/DC voltage, current (amperage), and resistance (ohms), along with continuity. While indispensable for general electrical diagnostics, it lacks the specialized circuitry and frequency range necessary to accurately measure the high-frequency radio frequency (RF) signal levels, signal-to-noise ratio, or other quality metrics critical for coaxial cable performance.
- ✓
A cable tester (signal level meter)
Why this is correct
A cable tester, specifically a signal level meter (SLM) or RF signal analyzer, is the correct tool for assessing the performance of coaxial cables. These devices are engineered to measure critical parameters such as signal strength (typically in dBmV), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), modulation error ratio (MER), and bit error rate (BER). This allows a technician to accurately diagnose issues like weak signals, excessive noise, or signal degradation affecting television reception or internet connectivity.
- ✗
An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR)
Why it's wrong here
An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is a specialized instrument used exclusively for testing fiber optic cables. It operates by injecting pulses of light into the fiber and analyzing the reflected light to measure cable length, attenuation, and locate faults like breaks or excessive bends. This technology is fundamentally incompatible with coaxial cables, which transmit electrical signals and have different impedance characteristics.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Internet Connection Types
Key term
Cable tester
A cable tester is a device used to verify that network or electrical cables are wired correctly and can carry signals without interruption.
Key term
Received Signal Strength Indicator
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is a measurement of how strong a wireless signal is when it reaches a receiving device, like a laptop connecting to Wi-Fi.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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