The answer is a cable tester, specifically a signal level meter. This tool is the correct choice because it measures both the signal strength and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on a coaxial line, which directly addresses the technician’s suspicion of a degraded signal causing pixelated TV channels while internet remains functional. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between tools for specific cable types and symptoms: a tone generator is only for wire tracing, a multimeter checks continuity or voltage, and an OTDR is strictly for fiber optics. A common trap is confusing a multimeter’s voltage reading with signal quality, but remember that coaxial signal issues require a tool that reads RF power and noise, not electrical resistance. Memory tip: “Signal strength needs a signal meter—not a tone, not a volt, not a fiber scope.”
220-1101 Internet Connection Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of internet connection types. 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 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?
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 (specifically a signal level meter or spectrum analyzer) can measure signal strength, SNR, and other parameters on coaxial cables used for cable internet and TV. A tone generator is for tracing wires, a multimeter is for electrical measurements, and an OTDR is for fiber optic cables.
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.
✗
A tone generator and probe
Why it's wrong here
A tone generator is used to trace or identify specific cables, not to measure signal quality.
✗
A multimeter
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter measures voltage, resistance, and continuity, not RF signal strength.
✓
A cable tester (signal level meter)
Why this is correct
A cable tester designed for RF signals can measure signal strength and quality on coaxial lines.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR)
Why it's wrong here
An OTDR is used to test fiber optic cables, not coaxial cables.
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.
Internet Connection Types — This question tests Internet Connection Types — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A cable tester (signal level meter) — A cable tester (specifically a signal level meter or spectrum analyzer) can measure signal strength, SNR, and other parameters on coaxial cables used for cable internet and TV. A tone generator is for tracing wires, a multimeter is for electrical measurements, and an OTDR is for fiber optic cables.
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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