hardMultiple Choice
FC0-U71 Practice Question: Which internet connection type provides symmetric…
Which internet connection type provides symmetric upload and download speeds over a fiber-optic cable?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse 'fiber' as a general term for any high-speed internet, but the question specifically tests the property of symmetric speeds, which is unique to fiber-optic connections among the listed options, not just a marketing label.
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
✓
Fiber
Fiber-optic internet (often referred to as Fiber-to-the-Home or FTTH) uses light pulses transmitted through glass strands to deliver data. Unlike DSL or cable, fiber connections are inherently symmetric, meaning they provide identical upload and download speeds because the technology does not rely on asymmetric frequency division or shared coaxial infrastructure. This makes fiber the correct answer for symmetric speeds.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Satellite
Why it's wrong here
Satellite delivers asymmetric speeds over radio links, with latency far higher than terrestrial fibre, and does not use fibre-optic cable at all. It is tempting because satellite is the correct choice for remote or rural locations lacking any wired infrastructure, where no other connection type reaches.
- ✓
Fiber
Why this is correct
Fiber uses optical transmission, which provides equal upload and download bandwidth rather than the asymmetric rates typical of DSL, cable and satellite. This satisfies the stem's requirement for symmetric speeds delivered over a fibre-optic cable.
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Cable
Why it's wrong here
Cable uses coaxial cable with shared bandwidth and, under DOCSIS, asymmetric upload and download rates rather than symmetric ones. It is tempting because cable is the correct choice in residential areas where coax is already installed and download-heavy usage dominates.
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DSL
Why it's wrong here
DSL runs over existing copper telephone lines and typically offers asymmetric speeds, with upload far below download, and no fibre-optic cable. It is tempting because DSL is the correct choice where copper phone infrastructure already exists and only modest, low-cost bandwidth is needed.
Quick reference
Asymmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Exchange | Signatures | Equivalent Security Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSA-3072 | Yes | Yes | 128-bit | Widely deployed; slow for bulk data |
| ECDSA P-256 | No | Yes | 128-bit | Fast signatures; standard TLS certs |
| ECDH / ECDHE | Yes | No | 128-bit | Perfect forward secrecy in TLS 1.3 |
| DH / DHE | Yes | No | 128-bit (3072-bit key) | Replaced by ECDHE in modern TLS |
| Ed25519 | No | Yes | ~128-bit | SSH keys, modern PKI |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.