220-1101 Common Networking Hardware Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 reports that their wired connection is intermittent. They are using a Cat5e cable connected to a 1000BASE-T switch. The link light on the switch port is blinking rapidly. What is the most likely cause of the intermittent connection?
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
✓
The cable is damaged or has a loose connector
A rapidly blinking link light typically indicates traffic activity, but if the connection is intermittent, it could be due to a faulty cable or improper termination. However, the question specifies the link light is blinking rapidly, which is normal for active traffic. The intermittent issue might be from electromagnetic interference or a loose connection. The correct answer is a faulty cable, as it's the most common cause of intermittent wired connections.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 switch port is set to half-duplex
Why it's wrong here
Half-duplex would cause collisions but not necessarily intermittent connection; the link light would still be steady or blink.
✓
The cable is damaged or has a loose connector
Why this is correct
A damaged cable or loose connector can cause intermittent connectivity, leading to rapid link light blinking as the link drops and re-establishes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The network card is configured for 10 Mbps
Why it's wrong here
A speed mismatch would cause no link or constant errors, not intermittent blinking; the link light would likely be off or solid.
✗
The switch is overloaded with traffic
Why it's wrong here
Switch overload would cause slow performance, not intermittent connectivity; the link light would remain on.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The cable is damaged or has a loose connector — A rapidly blinking link light typically indicates traffic activity, but if the connection is intermittent, it could be due to a faulty cable or improper termination. However, the question specifies the link light is blinking rapidly, which is normal for active traffic. The intermittent issue might be from electromagnetic interference or a loose connection. The correct answer is a faulty cable, as it's the most common cause of intermittent wired connections.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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