220-1201 Practice Question: That their desktop computer cannot connect to the…

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

• ✗

  Replace the Cat5e cable with a Cat6 cable.

  Why it's wrong here

  The problem states the computer "cannot connect." A link light implies physical connectivity is established. Cat5e cabling is fully capable of supporting Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) and is unlikely to be the sole reason for a complete lack of network connectivity if a link light is present. Replacing the cable without further troubleshooting, especially when the link light suggests the physical layer is operational, is premature and inefficient.

• ✓

  Check the IP address configuration on the PC to see if it has a valid address.

  Why this is correct

  The presence of a link light indicates that the physical layer (Layer 1) connection between the PC's network adapter and the network device (e.g., switch) is established. However, the absence of network activity or connectivity suggests a problem at higher layers, most commonly the network layer (Layer 3). An invalid or missing IP address, whether due to a DHCP server failure, incorrect static configuration, or a duplicate IP, would prevent the PC from communicating on the network despite having a physical link. This is a critical first step in logical troubleshooting.

• ✗

  Reboot the switch in the wiring closet.

  Why it's wrong here

  Rebooting a central network switch in the wiring closet is an extreme measure that would disrupt network connectivity for all other users connected to that switch. Since the problem description implies only one user's desktop is affected and other devices are presumably functioning, the switch itself is unlikely to be the root cause. Troubleshooting should focus on the affected endpoint first, rather than impacting the entire network unnecessarily.

• ✗

  Replace the network adapter in the PC.

  Why it's wrong here

  The presence of a link light on the network adapter strongly suggests that the adapter itself is physically functional and establishing a connection with the network. While a faulty adapter could still be the cause of connectivity issues (e.g., driver problems, partial failure), replacing hardware without first exhausting software and configuration checks (like IP address verification) is premature. The link light indicates the physical layer is operational, shifting the focus to higher-layer issues before hardware replacement.