Question 177 of 464
N10-009 Network Implementation Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates 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.
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
✓
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.
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 (Augmented Category 6) twisted pair cable is designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) but is strictly limited to a maximum distance of 100 meters. Attempting to deploy Cat6a for a 150-meter link would result in excessive signal attenuation and crosstalk, making reliable 10 Gbps communication impossible. Therefore, while capable of the desired bandwidth, its inherent distance limitation makes it an inappropriate choice for connecting switches over 150 meters.
When this WOULD be correct
A question requiring 10 Gbps over a distance of less than 100 meters, such as connecting switches within the same building or data center, where cost and ease of termination are priorities.
- ✗
Cat7 twisted pair
Why it's wrong here
Cat7 twisted pair cabling is unsuitable for connecting switches across a 150-meter distance, despite its enhanced shielding and support for higher frequencies. While Cat7 is designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) and beyond, its maximum reliable transmission distance for standard Ethernet applications is limited to 100 meters. Exceeding this 100-meter limit would lead to significant signal degradation and potential loss of data integrity, rendering it impractical for the 150-meter requirement.
When this WOULD be correct
A network administrator needs to connect two switches in the same building 50 meters apart at 10 Gbps, and the budget is limited, making Cat7 a cost-effective choice over fiber.
- ✓
Multi-mode fiber optic
Why this is correct
Multi-mode fiber optic cable, specifically when utilizing the 10GBASE-SR standard, is an excellent choice for this 150-meter link between buildings. This standard supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds over multi-mode fiber up to 300 meters, comfortably accommodating the required distance. Its larger core allows for the use of less expensive LED or VCSEL transceivers, making it a highly cost-effective and performance-appropriate solution for intermediate distances like 150 meters.
- ✗
Single-mode fiber optic
Why it's wrong here
Single-mode fiber optic cable, while capable of transmitting 10 Gigabit Ethernet over extremely long distances (e.g., 10GBASE-LR for 10 km), represents an unnecessary and cost-prohibitive solution for a mere 150-meter connection. Its smaller core requires more precise and expensive laser transceivers, and the overall deployment cost is significantly higher than multi-mode fiber. For this relatively short inter-building link, single-mode fiber offers no practical advantage over multi-mode fiber that would justify the increased expense and complexity.
When this WOULD be correct
Single-mode fiber would be correct for a connection exceeding 550 meters (e.g., 2 km) at 10 Gbps, or for any distance requiring higher bandwidth over longer runs, such as between buildings across a campus.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The N10-009 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Multi-mode fiber opticCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Multi-mode fiber optic cable, specifically when utilizing the 10GBASE-SR standard, is an excellent choice for this 150-meter link between buildings. This standard supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds over multi-mode fiber up to 300 meters, comfortably accommodating the required distance. Its larger core allows for the use of less expensive LED or VCSEL transceivers, making it a highly cost-effective and performance-appropriate solution for intermediate distances like 150 meters.
✗Cat6a twisted pairWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Cat6a twisted pair has a maximum distance of 100 meters for 10 Gbps, but the buildings are 150 meters apart, exceeding this limit.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A question requiring 10 Gbps over a distance of less than 100 meters, such as connecting switches within the same building or data center, where cost and ease of termination are priorities.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may remember that Cat6a supports 10 Gbps and overlook the distance limitation, assuming it can cover longer runs without considering the 100-meter standard.
✗Cat7 twisted pairWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Cat7 twisted pair has a maximum distance of 100 meters for 10 Gbps, but the buildings are 150 meters apart, exceeding this limit.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A network administrator needs to connect two switches in the same building 50 meters apart at 10 Gbps, and the budget is limited, making Cat7 a cost-effective choice over fiber.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think Cat7 supports higher speeds and longer distances than Cat6a, but they overlook the 100-meter distance limitation for 10 Gbps.
✗Single-mode fiber opticWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Single-mode fiber optic is designed for long-distance transmission (typically kilometers), not for a short 150-meter link. Multi-mode fiber is more cost-effective and sufficient for this distance at 10 Gbps.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
Single-mode fiber would be correct for a connection exceeding 550 meters (e.g., 2 km) at 10 Gbps, or for any distance requiring higher bandwidth over longer runs, such as between buildings across a campus.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think single-mode is always superior because it supports higher bandwidth and longer distances, overlooking that multi-mode is more economical and adequate for shorter runs.
Analysis generated from the official N10-009blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This N10-009 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 N10-009 exam.
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