The answer is network congestion due to many users sharing the same cable node. This is the most likely cause because cable internet operates on a shared bandwidth model, where your local loop capacity is divided among all subscribers in your neighborhood. During peak usage times like evenings, when everyone is streaming video or browsing, this contention for bandwidth directly causes the slowdown you experience. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of how shared media networks degrade under load, often appearing as a scenario where a user’s speed drops consistently at the same time each day. A common trap is to blame the wireless router or interference, but those issues would be sporadic, not tied to the clock. Remember the memory tip: “Evening congestion is a node problem, not a router problem.”
220-1101 Internet Connection Types Practice Question
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 user complains that their internet is slow in the evenings, especially when streaming video. They have a cable modem and a wireless router. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Network congestion due to many users sharing the same cable node.
Cable internet uses a shared bandwidth model where many users in the same neighborhood contend for the same local loop capacity. During peak usage times (evenings), this contention leads to slower speeds. Wireless interference, router age, or ISP throttling are less likely to cause consistent evening slowdowns.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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 wireless router is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
While an old router can cause issues, the timing of the slowdown points to network congestion, not hardware age.
✗
The ISP is throttling streaming traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Throttling is possible but less common than simple congestion; the pattern suggests peak usage contention.
✓
Network congestion due to many users sharing the same cable node.
Why this is correct
Cable internet is a shared medium, and evening congestion is a well-known issue.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Wireless interference can slow speeds but is not specifically tied to evening hours.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Internet Connection Types — This question tests Internet Connection Types — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Network congestion due to many users sharing the same cable node. — Cable internet uses a shared bandwidth model where many users in the same neighborhood contend for the same local loop capacity. During peak usage times (evenings), this contention leads to slower speeds. Wireless interference, router age, or ISP throttling are less likely to cause consistent evening slowdowns.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A home user complains that their internet is extremely slow during peak evening hours, but speed tests show fast results late at night. They have a cable modem connection. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
easy
A.The modem is overheating
✓ B.Bandwidth congestion from neighbors
C.A faulty Ethernet cable
D.The ISP is throttling video streaming
Why B: Cable internet uses a shared medium, so bandwidth is divided among users in the same neighborhood, causing slowdowns during peak usage. DSL and fiber are typically dedicated lines, and satellite latency is constant. This is a common complaint with cable broadband.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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