- A
The wireless router is overheating.
Why wrong: Overheating is not typically weather-dependent and would not correlate specifically with rainstorms.
- B
The cable modem's coaxial cable connection is compromised by moisture.
Moisture in coaxial cable connections can cause intermittent signal loss, which is a known issue with cable internet during rain.
- C
The DSL filter is malfunctioning.
Why wrong: DSL filters are used with DSL internet, not cable internet, and rain does not typically affect them.
- D
The satellite dish is out of alignment.
Why wrong: Satellite dishes can have rain fade, but the customer has a cable modem, not satellite service.
Question 303 of 1,020
Cable Internet Drops During Rain
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of internet connection types. 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 customer reports that their internet connection drops frequently during rainstorms. They have a cable modem and a wireless router. What is the most likely cause of the intermittent connection?
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.
Quick Answer
The answer is a compromised coaxial cable connection due to moisture intrusion. Cable internet relies on shielded coaxial cables to carry radio frequency signals, and when rain or moisture seeps into the line—especially at outdoor connectors, splices, or damaged shielding—it causes signal attenuation and impedance mismatches, leading to intermittent drops. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of physical layer issues specific to cable broadband, often as a distractor against satellite rain fade or DSL line noise. A common trap is assuming the wireless router is at fault, but the rain correlation points directly to the external coax. Remember the memory tip: “Coax and rain—connection pain.”
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
✓
The cable modem's coaxial cable connection is compromised by moisture.
The correct answer is B because cable internet relies on a coaxial cable connection from the street to the modem. During rainstorms, moisture can seep into damaged or poorly sealed coaxial connectors or cable sheathing, causing signal attenuation or intermittent shorting that drops the connection. This is a classic symptom of RF signal degradation due to water ingress, which directly affects the physical layer (Layer 1) of the cable modem's link.
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 wireless router is overheating.
Why it's wrong here
Overheating is not typically weather-dependent and would not correlate specifically with rainstorms.
- ✓
The cable modem's coaxial cable connection is compromised by moisture.
Why this is correct
Moisture in coaxial cable connections can cause intermittent signal loss, which is a known issue with cable internet during rain.
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 DSL filter is malfunctioning.
Why it's wrong here
DSL filters are used with DSL internet, not cable internet, and rain does not typically affect them.
- ✗
The satellite dish is out of alignment.
Why it's wrong here
Satellite dishes can have rain fade, but the customer has a cable modem, not satellite service.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the distinction between cable modem (coaxial) and DSL (telephone line) technologies. The trap here is that candidates may confuse DSL filters with cable modem issues or incorrectly assume that rain only affects satellite or wireless signals, ignoring that coaxial cable is also vulnerable to moisture ingress.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Coaxial cable uses a center conductor, dielectric insulator, and braided shield to carry RF signals (typically 5–1002 MHz for DOCSIS 3.0/3.1). Water ingress increases the dielectric constant and causes signal reflection, standing wave ratio (SWR) issues, and corrosion over time, which can be diagnosed by checking the modem's downstream/upstream power levels and SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) in the status page. In real-world scenarios, technicians often find moisture at the ground block or the F-connector where the cable enters the home, especially if weatherproofing tape or compression fittings were not used.
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.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Internet Connection Types — This question tests Internet Connection Types — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The cable modem's coaxial cable connection is compromised by moisture. — The correct answer is B because cable internet relies on a coaxial cable connection from the street to the modem. During rainstorms, moisture can seep into damaged or poorly sealed coaxial connectors or cable sheathing, causing signal attenuation or intermittent shorting that drops the connection. This is a classic symptom of RF signal degradation due to water ingress, which directly affects the physical layer (Layer 1) of the cable modem's link.
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.
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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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