- A
The cable run exceeds the maximum length for Gigabit Ethernet.
Why wrong: The cable run is 75 meters, which is within the 100-meter maximum for Gigabit Ethernet, so this is not the cause.
- B
The cable is Cat5e or lower, which cannot support Gigabit Ethernet at that distance.
Why wrong: Cat5e supports Gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters; therefore, it is not the cause. Cat5 might be, but the option includes Cat5e incorrectly.
- C
The wall jack is wired for T568B but the patch panel uses T568A.
Why wrong: While wiring standard mismatch can cause issues, it typically results in no link or high error rates, not a consistent 100 Mbps speed.
- D
The cable is shielded (STP) and the connectors are unshielded (UTP).
Correct. Using STP cable with UTP connectors prevents proper grounding, causing interference and speed downgrade to 100 Mbps.
220-1201 STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cabling. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: sTP (Shielded Twisted Pair). 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 new Gigabit Ethernet connection is only achieving 100 Mbps speeds. The cable run is about 75 meters through a drop ceiling. The technician checks the patch panel and wall jack terminations, which appear correct. What is the most likely cause of the speed issue?
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.
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 is shielded (STP) and the connectors are unshielded (UTP).
The most likely cause is that the cable is shielded (STP) but the connectors are unshielded (UTP). When STP cable is used with UTP connectors, the shielding is not properly grounded, leading to signal interference and degradation. This often results in the link falling back to 100 Mbps. The 75-meter run is within the 100-meter limit for Gigabit, and terminations appear correct, so the shield mismatch is the primary suspect.
Key principle: STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
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 cable run exceeds the maximum length for Gigabit Ethernet.
Why it's wrong here
The cable run is 75 meters, which is within the 100-meter maximum for Gigabit Ethernet, so this is not the cause.
- ✗
The cable is Cat5e or lower, which cannot support Gigabit Ethernet at that distance.
Why it's wrong here
Cat5e supports Gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters; therefore, it is not the cause. Cat5 might be, but the option includes Cat5e incorrectly.
- ✗
The wall jack is wired for T568B but the patch panel uses T568A.
Why it's wrong here
While wiring standard mismatch can cause issues, it typically results in no link or high error rates, not a consistent 100 Mbps speed.
- ✓
The cable is shielded (STP) and the connectors are unshielded (UTP).
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Do not assume that a speed downgrade is always due to cable category; shielding mismatches and faulty pairs are common causes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
- UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
- Shield Mismatch
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
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
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. STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review sTP (Shielded Twisted Pair), then practise related 220-1201 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Cabling — study guide chapter
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Cabling practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Cabling — This question tests Cabling — STP (Shielded Twisted Pair).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The cable is shielded (STP) and the connectors are unshielded (UTP). — The most likely cause is that the cable is shielded (STP) but the connectors are unshielded (UTP). When STP cable is used with UTP connectors, the shielding is not properly grounded, leading to signal interference and degradation. This often results in the link falling back to 100 Mbps. The 75-meter run is within the 100-meter limit for Gigabit, and terminations appear correct, so the shield mismatch is the primary suspect.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review sTP (Shielded Twisted Pair), then practise related 220-1201 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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