The answer is fiber, because its symmetrical upload and download speeds provide the consistent low latency that VoIP requires. Unlike cable broadband, which relies on a shared network node that can cause latency spikes during peak usage, fiber-optic technology uses dedicated light signals through glass strands, ensuring each call’s data packets travel without contention. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of network performance factors for real-time applications; a common trap is assuming cable’s higher download speed alone guarantees quality, but VoIP’s two-way audio demands equal upload capacity. Remember the mnemonic “Fiber is Fair” — symmetrical speeds mean no bottleneck for voice traffic, while cable’s asymmetrical design prioritizes downloads, leaving uploads and latency vulnerable.
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 company is deploying VoIP phones and needs a connection with low latency and consistent speeds. They are choosing between cable broadband and fiber-optic. Which factor makes fiber the better choice?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds
Fiber-optic provides low latency and symmetrical speeds, ideal for VoIP. Cable broadband can suffer from latency spikes due to shared bandwidth and has asymmetrical speeds. Fiber's dedicated connection ensures consistent call quality.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Fiber has higher download speeds
Why it's wrong here
While fiber is fast, the key for VoIP is low latency and consistency, not just raw speed.
✗
Fiber is less prone to electromagnetic interference
Why it's wrong here
EMI is less of a factor for VoIP; latency is more critical.
✓
Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds
Why this is correct
Symmetrical speeds and low latency ensure clear VoIP calls without jitter.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Fiber is cheaper than cable
Why it's wrong here
Fiber is often more expensive than cable broadband.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Internet Connection Types — This question tests Internet Connection Types — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds — Fiber-optic provides low latency and symmetrical speeds, ideal for VoIP. Cable broadband can suffer from latency spikes due to shared bandwidth and has asymmetrical speeds. Fiber's dedicated connection ensures consistent call quality.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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