A technician installs a new PoE security camera in an office. The camera is connected to a wall jack that runs to a PoE-enabled switch. The camera does not power on. The technician tests the cable with a cable tester and it passes. The switch port has a solid link light. The technician connects a known-working laptop to the same wall jack, and the laptop gets an IP address and can access the network. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?

The cable is too long for PoE to function correctly.

Although cable length can affect PoE, the maximum is 100 meters. The cable passed a continuity test, so length is unlikely to be an issue. The laptop also worked, proving data transmission is fine.

The switch port does not have PoE enabled.

While PoE can be disabled per port on managed switches, it is often enabled by default. Additionally, the solid link light suggests the switch is actively connected. The laptop works, so data connectivity is present; PoE enablement would not affect the laptop.

The camera has an IP address conflict with another device on the network.

An IP conflict would cause connectivity issues but would not prevent the camera from receiving power. The camera would still power on and possibly show a link light. The problem here is that the camera is not powering on at all.

What does this 220-1101 question test?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The camera requires a higher PoE standard than the switch provides. — The camera not powering on while the laptop works fine indicates the data connectivity is good, but the power delivery via PoE is failing. The cable test passing and the link light being solid confirm the physical layer for data is working. Laptops have their own power source, so they don't rely on PoE. The most common cause is a PoE power standard mismatch: the switch may only support 802.3af (15.4W per port), while the camera may require 802.3at (PoE+, 30W) or 802.3bt (PoE++, 60-90W). If the camera demands more power than the switch can supply, it will not power on. Checking the camera's specifications and the switch's PoE capabilities is the appropriate next step. Option A is unlikely because the cable length for PoE is typically up to 100 meters, and the cable passed testing. Option B is possible but less likely because most managed PoE switches have PoE enabled by default, and the port would show a PoE status warning if power were deliberately disabled. Option D is about IP configuration, which would not prevent the camera from powering on.

What should I do if I get this 220-1101 question wrong?

Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.