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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is called to a warehouse where a…
A technician is called to a warehouse where a newly installed IP camera shows 'No Signal' on the NVR. The camera is connected via a 100-meter Cat6 cable to a PoE switch. The switch port LED is off. What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
The cable length exceeds the maximum specification for Ethernet.
This question tests knowledge of Ethernet cable length limits. Cat6 is rated for 100 meters; at exactly that distance, signal degradation can cause link failure. The PoE switch may not provide enough power over that distance, or the cable may be slightly too long.
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 camera's IP address is conflicting with another device.
Why it's wrong here
An IP address conflict occurs at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model. If the physical link (Layer 1) and data link (Layer 2) are established, the switch port LED would typically be illuminated, indicating a physical connection and link integrity. An IP conflict would manifest as network connectivity issues, such as intermittent communication or inability to reach the device, but not a complete absence of a physical link light.
- ✓
The cable length exceeds the maximum specification for Ethernet.
Why this is correct
Standard Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) copper cabling has a maximum segment length of 100 meters (328 feet). Exceeding this specification leads to significant signal attenuation and degradation, preventing the network interface card (NIC) on the camera and the switch port from establishing a reliable physical link. Without a stable physical link, the switch port's link/activity LED will remain off, indicating no connectivity.
- ✗
The PoE switch does not support the camera's power requirement.
Why it's wrong here
If the PoE switch were unable to meet the camera's power requirements, the switch port's link LED might still illuminate if a physical data link could be established, but the camera itself would fail to power on or operate correctly. However, a completely unlit port LED typically signifies a lack of physical layer connectivity or a complete absence of a data link, which is distinct from a power delivery issue where a link might still be present.
- ✗
The camera is configured for a different VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configuration operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model, above the physical layer. A misconfigured VLAN would prevent the camera from communicating with other devices on the intended network segment, or even from obtaining an IP address via DHCP, but it would not prevent the establishment of a physical link. The switch port's link LED would still be illuminated, indicating a successful Layer 1 connection, even if Layer 2 communication is logically segmented incorrectly.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.