- A
The cable runs are too long for 1000Base-T.
Why wrong: 50 meters is well within the 100-meter limit for 1000Base-T, so length is not the issue.
- B
The T568B wiring standard is incompatible with 1000Base-T.
Why wrong: T568B is fully compatible with 1000Base-T; it's a standard wiring scheme.
- C
The terminations are not fully seated or have poor contact on some pairs.
1000Base-T requires all four pairs to be properly connected; a partially seated connector can cause intermittent loss.
- D
The network switch ports are set to 100 Mbps full duplex.
Why wrong: If the switch ports were set to 100 Mbps, the connection would be stable at that speed, not intermittent.
220-1201 Cabling 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. 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 small office is upgrading from 100Base-TX to 1000Base-T. The existing cabling is Cat5e, runs are under 50 meters, and terminations are T568B. After the upgrade, some workstations intermittently lose connectivity. What is the most likely 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 terminations are not fully seated or have poor contact on some pairs.
This question tests understanding that Cat5e supports Gigabit Ethernet, but poor termination or cable damage can cause issues. The correct answer is that the terminations may have poor contact or are not fully inserted, as 1000Base-T uses all four pairs and is less tolerant of faults than 100Base-TX.
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 cable runs are too long for 1000Base-T.
Why it's wrong here
50 meters is well within the 100-meter limit for 1000Base-T, so length is not the issue.
- ✗
The T568B wiring standard is incompatible with 1000Base-T.
Why it's wrong here
T568B is fully compatible with 1000Base-T; it's a standard wiring scheme.
- ✓
The terminations are not fully seated or have poor contact on some pairs.
Why this is correct
1000Base-T requires all four pairs to be properly connected; a partially seated connector can cause intermittent loss.
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 network switch ports are set to 100 Mbps full duplex.
Why it's wrong here
If the switch ports were set to 100 Mbps, the connection would be stable at that speed, not intermittent.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Cabling — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The terminations are not fully seated or have poor contact on some pairs. — This question tests understanding that Cat5e supports Gigabit Ethernet, but poor termination or cable damage can cause issues. The correct answer is that the terminations may have poor contact or are not fully inserted, as 1000Base-T uses all four pairs and is less tolerant of faults than 100Base-TX.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: Jun 18, 2026
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