Quick Answer
The answer is single-mode fiber (SMF). This is the correct cabling type for a 200 meter 1 Gbps connection because copper standards like 1000BASE-T are strictly limited to 100 meters, while single-mode fiber using 1000BASE-LX optics easily supports 1 Gbps over distances up to 5 kilometers or more, making it the only viable choice for this link length. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of Ethernet distance limitations and the specific role of fiber optics in overcoming them—a common trap is assuming Cat6 can stretch beyond 100 meters, but remember that all twisted-pair copper for 1 Gbps is capped at that distance. A useful memory tip: think “Single-mode for the long haul, copper for the short haul”—and if the distance exceeds 100 meters, your answer is always fiber.
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 company is extending its network to a new building located 200 meters away. The link must support 1 Gbps speeds. Which cabling type should be used?
Cat5e
Why wrong: Cat5e supports 1 Gbps but only up to 100 meters; the distance exceeds that.
Cat6
Why wrong: Cat6 also supports 1 Gbps but is limited to 100 meters.
Single-mode fiber
Single-mode fiber can transmit 1 Gbps over distances far exceeding 200 meters.
Coaxial cable
Why wrong: Coaxial cable is typically used for cable internet and TV, not for modern 1 Gbps Ethernet networks over that distance.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Single-mode fiber
Single-mode fiber (SMF) is the correct choice because it supports 1 Gbps speeds over distances far exceeding 200 meters, typically up to 5 km or more using 1000BASE-LX optics. Copper cabling like Cat5e and Cat6 is limited to a maximum segment length of 100 meters for 1 Gbps (1000BASE-T), making them unsuitable for this 200-meter link.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Cat5e
Why it's wrong here
Cat5e supports 1 Gbps but only up to 100 meters; the distance exceeds that.
Cat6
Why it's wrong here
Cat6 also supports 1 Gbps but is limited to 100 meters.
Single-mode fiber
Why this is correct
Single-mode fiber can transmit 1 Gbps over distances far exceeding 200 meters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Coaxial cable
Why it's wrong here
Coaxial cable is typically used for cable internet and TV, not for modern 1 Gbps Ethernet networks over that distance.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often assume Cat6 can exceed 100 meters because it supports higher frequencies (250 MHz vs. 100 MHz for Cat5e), but the 100-meter distance limit for 1000BASE-T is a physical layer standard constraint, not a cable grade limitation.
Detailed technical explanation
Single-mode fiber uses a 9/125 µm core and cladding, allowing only one mode of light to propagate, which virtually eliminates modal dispersion and supports longer distances at higher data rates. For 1 Gbps, the 1000BASE-LX standard uses 1300 nm laser transceivers and can reach up to 5 km over SMF, while 1000BASE-SX over multimode fiber is limited to 550 meters. In real-world deployments, SMF is preferred for inter-building links due to its immunity to electromagnetic interference and ability to support future upgrades to 10 Gbps or higher without recabling.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network Implementation — This question tests Network Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Single-mode fiber — Single-mode fiber (SMF) is the correct choice because it supports 1 Gbps speeds over distances far exceeding 200 meters, typically up to 5 km or more using 1000BASE-LX optics. Copper cabling like Cat5e and Cat6 is limited to a maximum segment length of 100 meters for 1 Gbps (1000BASE-T), making them unsuitable for this 200-meter link.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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