Quick Answer
The answer is satellite internet, as the symptom of frequent dropouts during rainstorms is a classic indicator of rain fade. This occurs because heavy rain attenuates the microwave signals traveling between the user’s dish and the orbiting satellite, causing enough signal loss to disrupt the connection. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish connection types by their environmental vulnerabilities; a common trap is confusing satellite with fixed wireless, but satellite is uniquely susceptible to weather between the dish and the sky, whereas fiber, cable, and DSL are underground or use wired lines. To remember this, think of the mnemonic “Rain Drops Signal” for Satellite—when rain drops, the signal drops.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of internet connection types. 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 internet connection drops out frequently, especially during rainstorms. They have a dish mounted on their roof. Which connection type are they most likely using?
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.
Fiber-optic
Why wrong: Fiber is buried underground and not affected by rain.
Cable broadband
Why wrong: Cable is also underground and not typically affected by rain.
Satellite
Satellite signals can be disrupted by heavy rain, known as rain fade.
DSL
Why wrong: DSL uses phone lines and is not affected by rain.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Satellite
Satellite internet is susceptible to rain fade, where heavy rain attenuates the signal, causing dropouts. Fiber and cable are underground and unaffected by rain, while DSL uses phone lines. This symptom is classic for satellite connections.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Fiber-optic
Why it's wrong here
Fiber is buried underground and not affected by rain.
Cable broadband
Why it's wrong here
Cable is also underground and not typically affected by rain.
Satellite
Why this is correct
Satellite signals can be disrupted by heavy rain, known as rain fade.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DSL
Why it's wrong here
DSL uses phone lines and is not affected by rain.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Internet Connection Types — This question tests Internet Connection Types — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Satellite — Satellite internet is susceptible to rain fade, where heavy rain attenuates the signal, causing dropouts. Fiber and cable are underground and unaffected by rain, while DSL uses phone lines. This symptom is classic for satellite connections.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 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.
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