- A
Cat5e UTP
Why wrong: UTP has no shielding and is susceptible to EMI from machinery.
- B
Cat6a STP
STP cables include shielding that protects against EMI, making them ideal for environments with high interference.
- C
Coaxial cable
Why wrong: Coaxial is shielded but is typically used for cable TV/internet, not for standard Ethernet networks.
- D
Plenum-rated cable
Why wrong: Plenum rating refers to fire safety, not EMI protection. It is required for air handling spaces but does not reduce interference.
Question 179 of 1,020
Choosing STP Cable for High EMI in Industrial Settings
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 technician is installing a new network drop in a warehouse where there is high electromagnetic interference (EMI) from machinery. Which cable type should be used to minimize signal degradation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Quick Answer
The answer is Cat6a STP. Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable is the correct choice because its metallic foil or braided shield acts as a Faraday cage, physically blocking electromagnetic interference (EMI) from industrial machinery before it can corrupt the signal. This makes STP cable the go-to solution for high EMI in industrial settings, where unshielded twisted pair (UTP) would be vulnerable to noise. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of cable properties and environmental factors; a common trap is choosing fiber optic because it also resists EMI, but the exam expects STP as the practical, cost-effective answer for a standard network drop. Remember the memory tip: “Shielded for the Shop” — if you see machinery or a factory floor, think STP.
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 STP
Cat6a STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) is the correct choice because its individual pair shielding and overall braided shield provide robust protection against high electromagnetic interference (EMI) from warehouse machinery. The shielding effectively blocks external noise, preventing signal degradation and maintaining data integrity over longer distances, unlike unshielded cables.
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 UTP
Why it's wrong here
UTP has no shielding and is susceptible to EMI from machinery.
- ✓
Cat6a STP
Why this is correct
STP cables include shielding that protects against EMI, making them ideal for environments with high interference.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Coaxial cable
Why it's wrong here
Coaxial is shielded but is typically used for cable TV/internet, not for standard Ethernet networks.
- ✗
Plenum-rated cable
Why it's wrong here
Plenum rating refers to fire safety, not EMI protection. It is required for air handling spaces but does not reduce interference.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between cable shielding (STP vs. UTP) and cable jacket rating (plenum vs. riser). The trap here is that candidates confuse plenum rating with EMI protection, assuming a fire-retardant jacket also blocks interference.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
STP cables use a grounded metallic foil or braid around each twisted pair and an overall shield to create a Faraday cage effect, which cancels electromagnetic fields. In high-EMI environments like warehouses with variable-frequency drives (VFDs) or arc welders, even common-mode rejection from twisted pairs may be insufficient, making shielding essential to maintain signal-to-noise ratio and avoid CRC errors. Real-world deployments often require proper grounding of the shield at one end only to prevent ground loops, a subtle but critical installation detail.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: Cat6a STP — Cat6a STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) is the correct choice because its individual pair shielding and overall braided shield provide robust protection against high electromagnetic interference (EMI) from warehouse machinery. The shielding effectively blocks external noise, preventing signal degradation and maintaining data integrity over longer distances, unlike unshielded cables.
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: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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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