The correct choice is to install a PoE extender or an additional switch at the 100-meter mark. This is necessary because the Ethernet standard for twisted-pair cabling like Cat6 caps the maximum segment length at 100 meters before signal degradation becomes a problem, and Power over Ethernet also suffers from voltage drop beyond that distance, which can cause devices to lose power or connectivity. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of Ethernet distance limitations and the practical solutions for extending a network, often appearing as a scenario where a technician must run cabling for PoE cameras or access points. A common trap is assuming that higher-category cable like Cat6 automatically allows longer runs, but the 100-meter limit applies regardless of cable grade. Remember the memory tip: “100 meters, then a booster” — think of the 100-meter mark as the point where you must regenerate the signal with a switch or extender to keep both data and power flowing reliably.
220-1101 Cabling Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. 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 installing new cabling for a security camera system that uses PoE. The cameras are located 120 meters from the switch. The technician has Cat6 cable available. What should the technician do to ensure reliable operation?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install a PoE extender or a switch at the 100-meter mark.
This question tests knowledge of Ethernet distance limits and solutions. The correct answer is to use a PoE extender or a switch at the midpoint, as 120 meters exceeds the 100-meter limit for Ethernet, and PoE may also have voltage drop issues.
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.
✗
Use a higher category cable like Cat6a to extend the distance.
Why it's wrong here
Cat6a still has a 100-meter limit for Ethernet; higher category does not extend the maximum length.
✓
Install a PoE extender or a switch at the 100-meter mark.
Why this is correct
A PoE extender regenerates the signal and power, allowing the run to exceed 100 meters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use a single-mode fiber optic cable instead.
Why it's wrong here
Fiber optic would solve the distance issue but requires different transceivers and is not a direct replacement for Cat6 in this scenario.
✗
The cable run is acceptable because Cat6 supports up to 150 meters.
Why it's wrong here
Cat6 is rated for 100 meters for Ethernet; 150 meters is not supported.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Fiber optic would solve the distance issue but requires different transceivers and is not a direct replacement for Cat6 in this scenario.
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.
Cabling — This question tests Cabling — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install a PoE extender or a switch at the 100-meter mark. — This question tests knowledge of Ethernet distance limits and solutions. The correct answer is to use a PoE extender or a switch at the midpoint, as 120 meters exceeds the 100-meter limit for Ethernet, and PoE may also have voltage drop issues.
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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