- A
Run a new power extension cord from the nearest outlet.
Why wrong: This is a temporary fix but not the simplest or most professional solution for a permanent install.
- B
Use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone.
A PoE injector adds power to the Ethernet cable, allowing the phone to receive both data and power over one cable.
- C
Replace the Cat6 cable with a USB-C cable for power.
Why wrong: USB-C is not used for Ethernet in this context and would not provide network connectivity.
- D
Install a wireless bridge to eliminate the cable.
Why wrong: A wireless bridge would still require power for the phone and adds complexity, not simplicity.
Question 725 of 1,020
How to Power a VoIP Phone Without a Nearby Outlet
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 VoIP phone for a user. The user's desk already has a Cat6 wall jack, but the phone requires both network connectivity and a separate power source. The technician has a limited number of power outlets nearby. What is the simplest solution?
Quick Answer
The answer is to use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone. This is correct because a PoE injector adds electrical power to the existing Cat6 Ethernet cable, allowing the VoIP phone to receive both data and power through a single cable run, eliminating the need for a separate power outlet. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cabling and power delivery concepts, often appearing as a troubleshooting or configuration question where a technician must choose between a PoE switch, injector, or a traditional power adapter. A common trap is selecting a power adapter or assuming the wall jack already provides power—remember, standard Ethernet jacks carry data only unless the network uses PoE. Memory tip: think “injector for one, switch for many”—a PoE injector is the simplest, cheapest fix for a single device when you lack a PoE switch.
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
✓
Use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone.
This question tests knowledge of Power over Ethernet (PoE) as a cabling-related concept. The correct answer is to use a PoE switch or injector, which sends power over the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter.
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.
- ✗
Run a new power extension cord from the nearest outlet.
Why it's wrong here
This is a temporary fix but not the simplest or most professional solution for a permanent install.
- ✓
Use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone.
Why this is correct
A PoE injector adds power to the Ethernet cable, allowing the phone to receive both data and power over one cable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Replace the Cat6 cable with a USB-C cable for power.
Why it's wrong here
USB-C is not used for Ethernet in this context and would not provide network connectivity.
- ✗
Install a wireless bridge to eliminate the cable.
Why it's wrong here
A wireless bridge would still require power for the phone and adds complexity, not simplicity.
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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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: Use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector between the wall jack and the phone. — This question tests knowledge of Power over Ethernet (PoE) as a cabling-related concept. The correct answer is to use a PoE switch or injector, which sends power over the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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