Question 403 of 972
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: During a network upgrade, a technician needs to…
During a network upgrade, a technician needs to document the physical path a cable takes from a workstation to the patch panel in the server room. Which tool is specifically designed to trace the exact cable route through walls and ceilings?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the distinction between 'testing' and 'tracing' tools, and the trap here is that candidates confuse a cable tester (which verifies electrical integrity) with a toner and probe (which physically locates the cable), leading them to choose the more familiar 'cable tester' option.
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
✓
Toner and probe
A toner and probe (often called a fox and hound) is specifically designed to trace the physical path of a cable through walls, ceilings, and conduits. The toner injects an analog audio signal onto the cable, and the inductive probe detects that signal without needing a direct electrical connection, allowing the technician to follow the cable's route even when it is hidden behind building materials.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cable tester
Why it's wrong here
A cable tester is primarily used to confirm the integrity of a network cable, checking for open circuits, short circuits, or miswired pairs (e.g., T568A vs. T568B pinouts). While essential for ensuring a cable functions correctly, it lacks the capability to generate a unique, detectable signal that can be traced through a wall or a bundle of cables to pinpoint a specific endpoint at a patch panel or switch. Therefore, it cannot assist in identifying a particular cable's physical path among many.
- ✓
Toner and probe
Why this is correct
A toner, also known as a tone generator, injects an analog audio frequency signal onto a specific cable pair or all pairs within a network cable. The probe, an inductive amplifier, is then used to audibly detect this signal without direct contact, allowing a technician to physically trace the cable's path through walls, conduits, or within a crowded bundle. This method is highly effective for identifying the corresponding port at a patch panel or switch for an unknown cable run, making it ideal for documentation during upgrades.
- ✗
Crimper
Why it's wrong here
A crimper is a specialized hand tool designed to securely fasten modular connectors, such as RJ-45 for Ethernet or RJ-11 for telephone, onto the stripped ends of network or telephone cables. Its sole function is to create a reliable physical and electrical connection between the cable wires and the connector pins. It has no diagnostic or tracing capabilities whatsoever and is purely a termination tool used during cable fabrication or repair.
- ✗
Punch-down tool
Why it's wrong here
A punch-down tool is specifically engineered to terminate individual wires from a network cable into the insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) found on keystone jacks, patch panels, or 66/110 blocks. It simultaneously seats the wire into the connector and trims any excess, ensuring a secure and proper electrical connection. This tool is exclusively for installation and termination tasks, offering no functionality for identifying or tracing existing cable runs within an infrastructure.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.