This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. 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 technician installs a new wireless access point that requires 25 watts of power using Power over Ethernet (PoE). The existing switch only supports 802.3af (15.4W per port). What is the most likely result?
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.
The access point will power on but may not transmit at full power.
Why wrong: If the AP requires 25W and gets only 15.4W, it will likely not power on at all. Some devices may negotiate power, but 25W exceeds 802.3af capability.
B
The access point will not power on.
The switch provides only 15.4W per port, which is insufficient for the 25W requirement. The AP will not receive enough power to start up.
C
The switch port will be damaged.
Why wrong: PoE standards include overcurrent protection. The switch will not supply more than its rated power, preventing damage.
D
The access point will power on and function normally.
Why wrong: The power requirement is higher than the switch's PoE budget. The AP cannot function normally without adequate power.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The access point will not power on.
The existing switch supports only 802.3af (PoE), which provides a maximum of 15.4 watts per port. The access point requires 25 watts, which exceeds the 802.3af power budget. Since the switch cannot deliver the required power, the access point will not power on. This is a strict power negotiation failure under IEEE 802.3 standards.
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.
✗
The access point will power on but may not transmit at full power.
Why it's wrong here
If the AP requires 25W and gets only 15.4W, it will likely not power on at all. Some devices may negotiate power, but 25W exceeds 802.3af capability.
✓
The access point will not power on.
Why this is correct
The switch provides only 15.4W per port, which is insufficient for the 25W requirement. The AP will not receive enough power to start up.
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.
✗
The switch port will be damaged.
Why it's wrong here
PoE standards include overcurrent protection. The switch will not supply more than its rated power, preventing damage.
✗
The access point will power on and function normally.
Why it's wrong here
The power requirement is higher than the switch's PoE budget. The AP cannot function normally without adequate power.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume a device will 'work at reduced power' or 'negotiate down' when the power requirement exceeds the standard, but PoE standards enforce a strict power classification and will not power a device that cannot be fully supported.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under IEEE 802.3af, the power sourcing equipment (PSE) and PD perform a classification process where the PD indicates its power class. If the PD requests a class (e.g., Class 4 for up to 25.5W) that the PSE cannot support, the PSE will not apply power. In real-world deployments, a 802.3at (PoE+) or 802.3bt (PoE++) switch would be required to deliver 25W, and using a midspan injector is a common workaround when upgrading switches is not feasible.
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: The access point will not power on. — The existing switch supports only 802.3af (PoE), which provides a maximum of 15.4 watts per port. The access point requires 25 watts, which exceeds the 802.3af power budget. Since the switch cannot deliver the required power, the access point will not power on. This is a strict power negotiation failure under IEEE 802.3 standards.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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