220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their desktop PC loses…

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 printer is using too much bandwidth.

  Why it's wrong here

  Printers, even when processing large print jobs, typically consume minimal network bandwidth compared to other network activities like large file transfers or video streaming. The data sent to a printer is usually compressed, and the primary network impact is brief. A wired desktop connection is robust, and a printer's usage would not cause a complete loss of network connectivity, but rather, at most, a slight slowdown if bandwidth were truly saturated, which is unlikely in this scenario.

• ✓

  The network cable is run too close to power cables.

  Why this is correct

  Running an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) network cable in close proximity and parallel to AC power cables can introduce significant electromagnetic interference (EMI). The alternating current in power lines generates magnetic fields that can induce unwanted currents and noise into the data signals carried by the network cable. This interference can corrupt data packets, leading to retransmissions or complete loss of network connectivity, especially when the power cable is actively drawing current, such as when a printer's motor or heating element activates.

• ✗

  The desktop has a duplicate IP address.

  Why it's wrong here

  A duplicate IP address on a network occurs when two or more devices are configured with the same IP address, leading to an IP conflict. This condition typically results in persistent and severe network connectivity issues for one or both devices, often manifesting as intermittent or complete loss of access regardless of specific user activities. The problem would be a constant underlying issue on the network, not specifically triggered only when a printer is active.

• ✗

  The switch port is administratively down.

  Why it's wrong here

  If a switch port is administratively shut down, it means a network administrator has manually disabled the port. In this state, the port will not transmit or receive any data, effectively severing the connection for any device plugged into it. This would result in a permanent and continuous loss of network connectivity for the desktop, not an intermittent issue that only occurs under specific conditions like when a printer is actively being used.

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