The answer is multi-mode fiber optic cabling. This is the correct choice because 10Gbps cabling over 150 meters multi-mode fiber is well within the supported distance for OM3 or OM4 fiber, which can carry 10GBASE-SR signals up to 300 meters, while twisted-pair copper like Cat6a or Cat7 is limited to just 100 meters at that speed. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of distance limitations and transceiver types—a common trap is assuming Cat6a can handle longer runs, but the 100-meter barrier for 10GBASE-T makes fiber the only viable option here. Remember that for any distance over 100 meters at 10 Gbps, you must move to fiber; a simple memory tip is “10 Gigs over 100? Fiber’s the one.”
N10-009 Network Implementation Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 network administrator needs to connect two switches located in separate buildings 150 meters apart. The connection must support 10 Gbps speeds. Which cabling type is most appropriate?
Why wrong: Cat6a supports 10 Gbps but only up to 100 meters. The 150-meter distance exceeds this limit.
B
Cat7 twisted pair
Why wrong: Cat7 also has a maximum distance of 100 meters for 10 Gbps, so it is not suitable for 150 meters.
C
Multi-mode fiber optic
Multi-mode fiber with 10GBASE-SR supports 10 Gbps up to 300 meters, making it ideal for this 150-meter link.
D
Single-mode fiber optic
Why wrong: While single-mode fiber can support 10 Gbps over much longer distances, it is more expensive and overkill for 150 meters. Multi-mode fiber is the most appropriate and cost-effective choice.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Multi-mode fiber optic
Multi-mode fiber optic (MMF) is the most appropriate choice because it supports 10 Gbps speeds over distances up to 300 meters (using OM3 or OM4 fiber) with cost-effective transceivers (e.g., 10GBASE-SR). The 150-meter distance exceeds the 100-meter maximum for twisted-pair copper cabling (Cat6a or Cat7) at 10 Gbps, making fiber the only viable option among the choices.
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.
✗
Cat6a twisted pair
Why it's wrong here
Cat6a supports 10 Gbps but only up to 100 meters. The 150-meter distance exceeds this limit.
✗
Cat7 twisted pair
Why it's wrong here
Cat7 also has a maximum distance of 100 meters for 10 Gbps, so it is not suitable for 150 meters.
✓
Multi-mode fiber optic
Why this is correct
Multi-mode fiber with 10GBASE-SR supports 10 Gbps up to 300 meters, making it ideal for this 150-meter link.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Single-mode fiber optic
Why it's wrong here
While single-mode fiber can support 10 Gbps over much longer distances, it is more expensive and overkill for 150 meters. Multi-mode fiber is the most appropriate and cost-effective choice.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume Cat7 is superior to Cat6a for longer distances, but both are limited to 100 meters for 10GBASE-T, and the question's 150-meter requirement forces the choice to fiber; CompTIA often tests this distance limitation to distinguish copper from fiber solutions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Multi-mode fiber uses a larger core (typically 50 µm or 62.5 µm) and LED or VCSEL light sources, allowing multiple light modes to propagate, which is sufficient for distances up to 300-400 meters at 10 Gbps with OM3/OM4 fiber. In contrast, single-mode fiber uses a smaller core (9 µm) and laser-based transceivers (e.g., 10GBASE-LR) for longer distances but at higher cost. Real-world campus networks often deploy OM4 multi-mode fiber for inter-building links under 300 meters to balance performance and budget.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 N10-009 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 N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Implementation — This question tests Network Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Multi-mode fiber optic — Multi-mode fiber optic (MMF) is the most appropriate choice because it supports 10 Gbps speeds over distances up to 300 meters (using OM3 or OM4 fiber) with cost-effective transceivers (e.g., 10GBASE-SR). The 150-meter distance exceeds the 100-meter maximum for twisted-pair copper cabling (Cat6a or Cat7) at 10 Gbps, making fiber the only viable option among the choices.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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