- A
Media converter
Why wrong: A media converter changes the physical medium (e.g., copper to fiber) but does not extend the distance of copper beyond 100 meters.
- B
Network extender (repeater)
A network extender regenerates the signal, allowing the 200-meter run to be broken into two segments within the 100-meter limit.
- C
PoE injector
Why wrong: A PoE injector provides power over Ethernet but does not extend the signal distance.
- D
Load balancer
Why wrong: A load balancer distributes traffic across multiple links, not extend cable distance.
Question 367 of 1,020
Extending Ethernet Distance Beyond 100 Meters
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of common networking hardware. 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 network administrator needs to connect two switches that are 200 meters apart. The connection must support 1 Gbps speed. The administrator has Cat5e cable available. However, Cat5e is only rated for 100 meters at 1 Gbps. Which device can be used to extend the distance without replacing the cable?
Quick Answer
The answer is a network extender, also known as a repeater. This device is correct because it regenerates the electrical signal, allowing a Cat5e cable to carry 1 Gbps data well beyond its standard 100-meter limitation. The fundamental constraint of Ethernet over twisted-pair copper is signal attenuation; after 100 meters, the signal degrades to the point where data errors occur. A repeater solves this by cleaning and amplifying the signal at the midpoint, effectively resetting the distance counter. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of physical layer devices and cable length limitations. A common trap is confusing a media converter, which changes the cable type (e.g., copper to fiber) but does not inherently extend distance, with a repeater. Remember that a switch can also function as a repeater if placed between the two endpoints, but the exam specifically looks for the device that regenerates the signal without replacing the cable. Memory tip: think of a repeater as a "signal relay runner" that hands off the baton at the 100-meter mark to keep the race going.
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
✓
Network extender (repeater)
A network extender (repeater) regenerates the electrical signal, allowing a Cat5e segment to exceed the 100-meter distance limitation while maintaining 1 Gbps speed. Since the administrator already has Cat5e cable and only needs to extend the reach, a repeater operates at Layer 1 to boost the signal without replacing the cable.
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.
- ✗
Media converter
Why it's wrong here
A media converter changes the physical medium (e.g., copper to fiber) but does not extend the distance of copper beyond 100 meters.
- ✓
Network extender (repeater)
Why this is correct
A network extender regenerates the signal, allowing the 200-meter run to be broken into two segments within the 100-meter limit.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
PoE injector
Why it's wrong here
A PoE injector provides power over Ethernet but does not extend the signal distance.
- ✗
Load balancer
Why it's wrong here
A load balancer distributes traffic across multiple links, not extend cable distance.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common misconception is that a media converter can extend the distance of a copper Ethernet segment, but a media converter only changes the physical connector type (e.g., RJ45 to SFP) and does not regenerate the signal. The trap is confusing physical layer conversion with signal regeneration, which is only provided by a repeater or network extender.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the IEEE 802.3ab standard for 1000BASE-T, the 100-meter limit is due to signal attenuation and timing constraints; a repeater (or network extender) operates at Layer 1 by cleaning and retransmitting the signal, effectively resetting the distance counter. In real-world scenarios, using a repeater between two switches at 200 meters avoids the cost and labor of running fiber or replacing the entire cable run, though it introduces a slight latency increase of about 1–2 microseconds per hop.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Common Networking Hardware — This question tests Common Networking Hardware — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Network extender (repeater) — A network extender (repeater) regenerates the electrical signal, allowing a Cat5e segment to exceed the 100-meter distance limitation while maintaining 1 Gbps speed. Since the administrator already has Cat5e cable and only needs to extend the reach, a repeater operates at Layer 1 to boost the signal without replacing the cable.
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.
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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.
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