The answer is a cable tester. When troubleshooting a network drop with no link light, the most direct first tool is a cable tester because it can immediately identify physical faults like breaks, shorts, or miswiring that would prevent a link from establishing. In this scenario, the 80-meter run through a conduit introduces potential for physical damage, and a cable tester isolates the problem faster than any other tool. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to prioritize basic troubleshooting steps—a common trap is reaching for a tone generator or multimeter first, but those are for tracing cables or measuring voltage, not for verifying continuity. Remember the memory tip: “No link? Think link—cable tester first.”
220-1101 Cabling Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. 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 technician is troubleshooting a network drop that was working yesterday but now has no link light at the switch. The cable run is 80 meters and passes through a conduit. Which tool should be used first to isolate the problem?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A cable tester.
This question tests the use of basic cable testing tools in a troubleshooting scenario. A cable tester can quickly identify faults like breaks, shorts, or miswiring. The correct answer prioritizes the most direct tool for the symptom.
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.
✗
A tone generator and probe.
Why it's wrong here
This is used to identify which cable goes where, not to test for faults.
✗
A multimeter.
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter can test continuity but is less efficient than a dedicated cable tester for Ethernet cables.
✓
A cable tester.
Why this is correct
A cable tester can check for continuity, shorts, and wiring faults, which is the first step in diagnosing a no-link issue.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A time-domain reflectometer (TDR).
Why it's wrong here
A TDR is more advanced and used for locating breaks or impedance issues, but a basic cable tester is sufficient for initial checks.
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.
Cabling — This question tests Cabling — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A cable tester. — This question tests the use of basic cable testing tools in a troubleshooting scenario. A cable tester can quickly identify faults like breaks, shorts, or miswiring. The correct answer prioritizes the most direct tool for the symptom.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
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 technician is troubleshooting a network drop that was working yesterday but now has no link light. The cable run is 90 meters and uses Cat5e. The patch cables and switch ports have been tested and are fine. What is the most likely issue?
medium
A.The cable is too long for Cat5e.
✓ B.The cable has been cut or damaged.
C.The network switch is not powered on.
D.The cable is terminated with the wrong standard.
Why B: A cable that was working but now fails often indicates physical damage. The length is within spec, so it's not a distance issue. The most common cause is a break or cut in the cable, possibly from recent activity.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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