Quick Answer
The answer is a telephone cable with an RJ-11 connector. This is correct because DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, transmits data over existing copper telephone lines, so the router must connect to the wall jack using the same standard phone cable that carries the voice signal. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish WAN connection types, and a common trap is confusing the RJ-11 telephone cable with an RJ-45 Ethernet cable or coaxial cable used for cable internet. Remember that DSL is delivered over phone lines, so the physical connection must match that medium. A simple memory tip is to think of the “D” in DSL as standing for “Dial-up’s big brother”—both use the same RJ-11 phone cable to reach the wall jack.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of internet connection types. 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 technician is configuring a new SOHO router for a client who has a DSL internet connection. What type of cable will the technician use to connect the router to the wall jack?
Coaxial cable (RG-6)
Why wrong: Coaxial cable is used for cable internet, not DSL.
Telephone cable (RJ-11)
DSL operates over standard telephone lines using RJ-11 connectors.
Fiber optic cable
Why wrong: Fiber optic cable is used for fiber internet, not DSL.
Ethernet cable (RJ-45)
Why wrong: Ethernet cable is used to connect the router to a modem or LAN devices, not directly to a DSL wall jack.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Telephone cable (RJ-11)
DSL uses standard telephone cables (RJ-11) to connect to the wall jack. Coaxial (RG-6) is for cable, fiber uses a specialized connector, and Ethernet (RJ-45) is used for LAN connections or some fiber modems.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Coaxial cable (RG-6)
Why it's wrong here
Coaxial cable is used for cable internet, not DSL.
Telephone cable (RJ-11)
Why this is correct
DSL operates over standard telephone lines using RJ-11 connectors.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Fiber optic cable
Why it's wrong here
Fiber optic cable is used for fiber internet, not DSL.
Ethernet cable (RJ-45)
Why it's wrong here
Ethernet cable is used to connect the router to a modem or LAN devices, not directly to a DSL wall jack.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Internet Connection Types — This question tests Internet Connection Types — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Telephone cable (RJ-11) — DSL uses standard telephone cables (RJ-11) to connect to the wall jack. Coaxial (RG-6) is for cable, fiber uses a specialized connector, and Ethernet (RJ-45) is used for LAN connections or some fiber modems.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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