mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Cable Continuity Tester: Diagnose Broken Wires in Ethernet Cables
A user reports that their computer cannot access any network resources, but the link light on the NIC is solid. The technician suspects a faulty cable. Which tool can quickly test the cable's continuity and detect a broken wire?
Quick Answer
The answer is a cable continuity tester, because it is the most efficient tool for diagnosing broken wires in Ethernet cables by sending a low-voltage signal through each conductor and verifying the circuit is complete without shorts or opens. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between network troubleshooting tools: while a multimeter can also check continuity, it requires disconnecting the cable and testing each wire individually, making it far slower for a quick field diagnosis. A common trap is confusing a cable tester with a toner and probe, which identifies cables in a bundle rather than testing wire integrity, or a crimper, which repairs connectors. Remember the memory tip: “Tester for breaks, toner for traces”—if the link light is solid but there’s no connectivity, grab the continuity tester first.
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse a cable tester with a multimeter, thinking a multimeter is sufficient for quick cable continuity checks, but the cable tester is purpose-built for this task and provides a pass/fail result for all eight wires simultaneously.
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
✓
Cable tester
A cable tester sends a small electrical signal through each conductor in the cable and checks for a return signal on the correct pin. If a wire is broken, the tester will indicate an open circuit, confirming the fault. This is the fastest and most direct way to verify continuity in a copper Ethernet cable.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Multimeter
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter can test continuity, but it is slower and less convenient than a dedicated cable tester for network cables.
- ✓
Cable tester
Why this is correct
A cable tester quickly checks all eight wires for continuity, shorts, and proper pinout, making it the ideal tool for diagnosing a faulty cable.
- ✗
Toner and probe
Why it's wrong here
A toner and probe is used to trace cables, not to test their electrical integrity.
- ✗
Crimper
Why it's wrong here
A crimper is used to attach connectors, not to test cables.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Configuration: IP, DNS, DHCP
Key term
CAN
A CAN (Controller Area Network) is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer.
Key term
Cable tester
A cable tester is a device used to verify that network or electrical cables are wired correctly and can carry signals without interruption.
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Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
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 user's workstation has intermittent connectivity issues. You suspect the Ethernet cable might be damaged or improperly terminated. You need to test the cable for continuity, shorts, and correct pinout. Which tool should you use, and what is a key feature of this tool?
hard- ✓ A.Cable tester; it can detect split pairs
- B.Toner probe; it can measure signal strength
- C.Multimeter; it can measure resistance
- D.Loopback plug; it can simulate network traffic
Why A: A cable tester is the correct tool because it verifies continuity, detects shorts, and confirms the correct pinout (e.g., T568A/B) of an Ethernet cable. A key feature is its ability to detect split pairs, which can cause crosstalk and intermittent connectivity even if continuity appears fine, as the pairs are not properly twisted.
Variation 2. You are deploying a new VoIP phone and need to ensure the Ethernet cable from the wall jack to the phone is properly terminated and has no shorts. The cable appears to be wired correctly but you want to confirm. Which tool should you use?
medium- A.Toner probe
- B.Loopback plug
- ✓ C.Cable tester
- D.Multimeter
Why C: A cable tester verifies continuity, pin-to-pin wiring, and detects shorts or opens in an Ethernet cable. Since the question states the cable appears correctly wired but you need to confirm proper termination and absence of shorts, the cable tester is the correct tool for this passive copper cable validation.
Variation 3. During a network cable installation, a technician needs to verify that a newly run Cat6 cable is properly terminated and free of shorts or opens. The cable is not yet connected to any switch or device. Which tool should the technician use?
easy- A.Tone generator and probe
- B.Multimeter
- ✓ C.Cable tester
- D.Loopback plug
Why C: A cable tester is specifically designed to verify proper termination and detect faults like shorts, opens, or miswires in copper Ethernet cables. Since the cable is not connected to any network device, a cable tester can independently validate the integrity of each wire pair by sending signals and checking continuity, which is exactly what this scenario requires.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.