- A
The cable is too long for Cat6 specifications.
Why wrong: 90 meters is within the 100-meter limit, so length is not the issue.
- B
The cable is not properly shielded.
Why wrong: Cat6 is typically UTP, and shielding is not required for NEXT compliance.
- C
The cable pairs are untwisted too much at the termination point.
Excessive untwisting of pairs can cause crosstalk, leading to NEXT failures.
- D
The cable is damaged from being pulled too hard during installation.
Why wrong: Damage from pulling would likely cause a different failure, like impedance or attenuation issues, not specifically NEXT.
Question 299 of 1,020
What Causes Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) Failure?
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 technician is setting up a new office with 20 workstations. The cabling is Cat6, and all runs are under 90 meters. After terminating the cables at the patch panel and wall jacks, the technician tests each run with a cable certifier. One run fails the test for near-end crosstalk (NEXT). What is the most likely cause?
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.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the cable pairs are untwisted too much at the termination point. This is the most likely cause of a near-end crosstalk (NEXT) failure because excessive untwisting disrupts the precise geometry of the twisted pairs, which is designed to cancel out electromagnetic interference between adjacent wires. When the pairs are untwisted beyond the recommended half-inch limit at the jack or patch panel, the signal from one pair can inductively couple into another pair at the near end of the link, causing NEXT. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of proper termination quality and cable certification; a common trap is assuming a length or cable type issue, but NEXT failures almost always point to poor termination technique. Remember the memory tip: “Untwist too much, and crosstalk you’ll clutch”—keep those twists tight to pass the test.
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 cable pairs are untwisted too much at the termination point.
This question tests understanding of cable termination quality and crosstalk. The correct answer is that the untwisting of pairs at the termination point is too long, which can cause NEXT failures.
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 is too long for Cat6 specifications.
Why it's wrong here
90 meters is within the 100-meter limit, so length is not the issue.
- ✗
The cable is not properly shielded.
Why it's wrong here
Cat6 is typically UTP, and shielding is not required for NEXT compliance.
- ✓
The cable pairs are untwisted too much at the termination point.
Why this is correct
Excessive untwisting of pairs can cause crosstalk, leading to NEXT failures.
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 cable is damaged from being pulled too hard during installation.
Why it's wrong here
Damage from pulling would likely cause a different failure, like impedance or attenuation issues, not specifically NEXT.
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
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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 cable pairs are untwisted too much at the termination point. — This question tests understanding of cable termination quality and crosstalk. The correct answer is that the untwisting of pairs at the termination point is too long, which can cause NEXT failures.
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.
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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