- A
Single-mode fiber (OS2)
Why wrong: Single-mode fiber is for long distances and requires a different transceiver (e.g., 10GBASE-LR); 10GBASE-SR is not compatible.
- B
Multimode fiber (OM3)
10GBASE-SR is designed for multimode fiber, and OM3 supports 10 Gbps up to 300 meters.
- C
Cat6a twisted pair
Why wrong: Cat6a is copper, not fiber, and would require an RJ45 SFP, not an SR module.
- D
Coaxial cable
Why wrong: Coaxial cable is used for cable internet, not for 10GBASE-SR fiber connections.
Question 1,000 of 1,020
10GBASE-SR SFP+ Compatible Fiber Type: Multimode
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 technician is installing a new network switch in a server room. The switch has 48 ports and needs to connect to the existing network backbone via fiber optic cable. The technician has a 10GBASE-SR SFP+ module. Which type of fiber optic cable should be used to ensure compatibility?
Quick Answer
The answer is multimode fiber, specifically OM3 or OM4. This is correct because the 10GBASE-SR SFP+ module is designed for short-range transmission over multimode fiber, using a 850 nm wavelength that travels efficiently through the larger core of multimode cable, supporting distances up to 300 meters. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of fiber optic transceiver compatibility, often appearing in scenarios where a technician must match the SFP module to the correct cable type. A common trap is assuming single-mode fiber works with any SFP, but 10GBASE-SR is optimized exclusively for multimode; using single-mode would result in signal loss or no link. To remember this, think of “SR” as “Short Range” for multimode, while “LR” (Long Range) pairs with single-mode.
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
✓
Multimode fiber (OM3)
10GBASE-SR is designed for multimode fiber (MMF) over short distances, typically up to 300 meters. Using single-mode fiber (SMF) would not work because the transceiver is optimized for multimode. The correct answer is multimode fiber (OM3 or OM4).
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.
- ✗
Single-mode fiber (OS2)
Why it's wrong here
Single-mode fiber is for long distances and requires a different transceiver (e.g., 10GBASE-LR); 10GBASE-SR is not compatible.
- ✓
Multimode fiber (OM3)
Why this is correct
10GBASE-SR is designed for multimode fiber, and OM3 supports 10 Gbps up to 300 meters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Cat6a twisted pair
Why it's wrong here
Cat6a is copper, not fiber, and would require an RJ45 SFP, not an SR module.
- ✗
Coaxial cable
Why it's wrong here
Coaxial cable is used for cable internet, not for 10GBASE-SR fiber connections.
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.
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Common Networking Hardware — study guide chapter
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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: Multimode fiber (OM3) — 10GBASE-SR is designed for multimode fiber (MMF) over short distances, typically up to 300 meters. Using single-mode fiber (SMF) would not work because the transceiver is optimized for multimode. The correct answer is multimode fiber (OM3 or OM4).
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 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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