220-1201 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A technician is configuring a small office network and needs to connect a new VoIP phone that requires Power over Ethernet (PoE). The existing switch does not support PoE. Which of the following is the BEST solution to provide power to the phone without replacing the switch?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is overlooking the PoE injector and jumping to replace the switch or use a power adapter, which either costs more or does not fulfill the PoE requirement.
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
✓
Use a PoE injector between the switch and the phone.
A PoE injector is the best solution because it adds power to the Ethernet connection without requiring a new switch. It is a small device that combines data from the switch and power from an outlet, sending both to the PoE device. Using an AC adapter bypasses PoE and may not meet the requirement. Adding a NIC is not applicable, and replacing the switch is unnecessary. Thus, the injector is the most efficient fix.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Connect the phone to a power outlet using its AC adapter.
Why it's wrong here
Using an AC adapter provides power but does not utilize PoE. The scenario specifically requires PoE, likely for centralized power management or to avoid additional outlets. While it would power the phone, it does not solve the PoE requirement. The question asks for the BEST solution to provide power via PoE without replacing the switch.
- ✓
Use a PoE injector between the switch and the phone.
Why this is correct
A PoE injector adds power to the Ethernet cable, allowing a non-PoE switch to power a PoE device. It is placed between the switch and the phone, injecting both data and power. This is a cost-effective solution without replacing the switch. It meets the requirement of providing power to the VoIP phone.
- ✗
Replace the existing switch with a PoE switch.
Why it's wrong here
A PoE switch would provide power, but the scenario explicitly asks for a solution without replacing the switch. This option is a valid alternative but not the BEST because it involves unnecessary cost and effort. The goal is to avoid switch replacement. A PoE injector is a simpler, more targeted fix.
- ✗
Install a PoE-enabled network interface card (NIC) in the phone.
Why it's wrong here
VoIP phones typically have integrated network interfaces; adding a NIC is not feasible or necessary. PoE is delivered over the Ethernet cable, not through a NIC in the phone. This option is technically incorrect because the phone already has a network port. It does not address the lack of PoE from the switch.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
SSD TRIM, Wear Leveling, and Over-Provisioning
Key term
Power over Ethernet
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows electrical power and data to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable to devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones.
Key term
Switch
A switch is a networking device that connects devices on a local area network and uses MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended recipient.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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