220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer in a machine shop. The computer experiences intermittent network connectivity loss, specifically when a large electric motor on a nearby lathe is started. The link light on the network interface card (NIC) turns off during these events. The technician has already replaced the Ethernet cable with a shielded Cat6a cable and moved the computer to a different electrical circuit on a different breaker panel. The problem persists. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often assume shielding or power conditioning will solve EMI issues, but the link light turning off proves the interference is on the data cable itself, and only a non-conductive medium like fiber can guarantee immunity.
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
✓
Use a fiber optic Ethernet cable and media converters
The large electric motor generates strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) when started. Shielded Cat6a cable reduces but does not eliminate EMI, and moving to a different circuit does not address radiated interference. Fiber optic cable is completely immune to EMI because it uses light pulses instead of electrical signals, making it the definitive solution for this environment.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the network interface card with one that supports a higher level of error correction
Why it's wrong here
Error correction can handle minor data corruption but cannot prevent the link from dropping entirely. The link light turning off indicates a physical layer disconnection, likely due to signal degradation from EMI, which a NIC cannot compensate for.
- ✗
Install a ferrite core on the Ethernet cable near the computer
Why it's wrong here
Ferrite cores can suppress high-frequency noise on cables, but they are more effective for conducted interference. Given the extreme EMI environment and the fact that the link drops entirely, ferrite cores are unlikely to resolve the complete signal loss.
- ✓
Use a fiber optic Ethernet cable and media converters
Why this is correct
Fiber optic cables transmit data using light, which is unaffected by electromagnetic interference. Running fiber between the computer and the switch (with appropriate media converters if the switch does not have fiber ports) will completely isolate the network connection from the motor's EMI.
- ✗
Replace the power supply unit (PSU) of the computer with a model that has better electrical noise filtering
Why it's wrong here
The problem is network connectivity loss coinciding with the motor starting. The computer continues to run, indicating the PSU is adequate. The issue is on the network cable, not the computer's power. Switching to fiber addresses the root cause.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1101 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 220-1101 exam.