- A
Cat5e
Why wrong: Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps, not 10 Gbps.
- B
Cat6
Why wrong: Cat6 supports 10 Gbps only up to 55 meters, so 50 meters is within spec, but Cat6a is more reliable for that distance.
- C
Cat6a
Cat6a supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, making it the best choice for 50-meter runs in a data center.
- D
Cat3
Why wrong: Cat3 is for voice or 10 Mbps Ethernet, not suitable for 10 Gbps.
Question 996 of 1,020
Choosing Cat6a for 10 Gigabit Ethernet at 50 Meters
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. 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 deploying 10 Gigabit Ethernet in a data center and needs cabling that supports this speed over a distance of 50 meters. Which cable type should be selected?
Quick Answer
The answer is Cat6a. This cable is the correct choice because it supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet at 50 meters with substantial headroom, as its official specification allows 10 Gbps up to 100 meters. The key technical concept here is that while standard Cat6 can also handle 10 Gbps, it is limited to a maximum distance of 55 meters, making Cat6a the safer and more reliable option for a 50-meter run, especially in a data center where signal integrity and future-proofing matter. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your knowledge of Ethernet cabling standards and their distance limitations—a common trap is assuming Cat6 is always sufficient, but the exam often highlights the margin of safety. A useful memory tip is to think of the “a” in Cat6a as standing for “augmented,” meaning it goes the full 100-meter distance for 10 Gbps, while standard Cat6 only makes it about halfway.
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
✓
Cat6a
Cat6a (Augmented Category 6) cabling is the correct choice because it supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) over distances up to 100 meters, easily covering the required 50 meters. Cat6a uses thicker insulation and tighter twists to reduce alien crosstalk, which is critical for maintaining signal integrity at 10 Gbps over longer runs.
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.
- ✗
Cat5e
Why it's wrong here
Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps, not 10 Gbps.
- ✗
Cat6
Why it's wrong here
Cat6 supports 10 Gbps only up to 55 meters, so 50 meters is within spec, but Cat6a is more reliable for that distance.
- ✓
Cat6a
Why this is correct
Cat6a supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, making it the best choice for 50-meter runs in a data center.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Cat3
Why it's wrong here
Cat3 is for voice or 10 Mbps Ethernet, not suitable for 10 Gbps.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that Cat6 is sufficient for 10GBASE-T at any distance, but the trap is that Cat6 only supports 10 Gbps up to 55 meters under strict conditions, while Cat6a is the guaranteed standard for 100 meters.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
10GBASE-T (IEEE 802.3an) requires cabling with a minimum of 500 MHz bandwidth, which Cat6a provides (vs. 250 MHz for Cat6). Alien crosstalk (ANEXT) is the primary limiting factor at 10 Gbps; Cat6a includes improved shielding and separation to mitigate this, while Cat6 may fail at 50 meters in high-density data center environments due to bundle effects. Real-world deployment often uses Cat6a or higher (e.g., Cat7, Cat8) for 10 Gbps to ensure headroom and compliance with TIA/EIA-568 standards.
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 220-1201 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Cabling — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Cabling practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Cabling — This question tests Cabling — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cat6a — Cat6a (Augmented Category 6) cabling is the correct choice because it supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) over distances up to 100 meters, easily covering the required 50 meters. Cat6a uses thicker insulation and tighter twists to reduce alien crosstalk, which is critical for maintaining signal integrity at 10 Gbps over longer runs.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 220-1201 practice questions
- During a network cable installation, a technician needs to verify that a newly run Cat6 cable is properly terminated and…
- A user connects a 4K monitor to their laptop using a USB-C port. The monitor is detected, but the resolution is stuck at…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that will not charge. The battery is removable, and the power adapter works on…
- A customer brings in a smartphone with a broken charging port. They want the port replaced. During disassembly, the tech…
- A user reports that their laptop's keyboard types random characters when certain keys are pressed. The laptop has not be…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that shuts down randomly after a few minutes of use. The fan is spinning, and t…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.