- A
The crossover cable will prevent any network connectivity.
Why wrong: Auto-MDIX on modern switches allows crossover cables to function normally, so this is not necessarily true.
- B
The crossover cable will cause intermittent connectivity.
Why wrong: Intermittent issues are not typical of a crossover cable; it either works or doesn't.
- C
The crossover cable is not the cause of the internet issue.
Since the user has local access, the crossover cable is functioning, and the internet issue is likely elsewhere (e.g., router, DNS).
- D
The crossover cable will only work at 100 Mbps.
Why wrong: Crossover cables can support Gigabit speeds if properly constructed.
Question 273 of 1,020
Does a Crossover Cable Prevent Internet Access?
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 troubleshooting a network issue where a user's computer can access local resources but cannot reach the internet. The user's cable is connected to a wall jack that leads to a patch panel in the server room. The technician tests the cable and finds it is wired as a crossover cable. What is the most likely impact?
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 crossover cable is not the cause of the internet access issue. While a crossover cable directly connects two like devices, such as two computers, most modern network switches include Auto-MDIX, which automatically detects and corrects for the cable type, allowing a crossover cable to function normally for local and internet traffic. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between physical-layer problems and higher-layer configuration issues; the common trap is assuming a crossover cable blocks internet access, when in reality the symptom of local access but no internet points to a missing default gateway, DNS misconfiguration, or router problem. Remember the memory tip: “Crossover for cross-device, but Auto-MDIX crosses out the worry”—modern gear handles it, so look elsewhere when local works but the internet doesn’t.
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 crossover cable is not the cause of the internet issue.
This question tests understanding of crossover cables and modern networking. The correct answer is that most modern switches have Auto-MDIX, so a crossover cable may still work, but if the switch is older, it could cause connectivity issues. However, the symptom of local access but no internet suggests a different problem, so the crossover cable is likely not the issue.
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 crossover cable will prevent any network connectivity.
Why it's wrong here
Auto-MDIX on modern switches allows crossover cables to function normally, so this is not necessarily true.
- ✗
The crossover cable will cause intermittent connectivity.
Why it's wrong here
Intermittent issues are not typical of a crossover cable; it either works or doesn't.
- ✓
The crossover cable is not the cause of the internet issue.
Why this is correct
Since the user has local access, the crossover cable is functioning, and the internet issue is likely elsewhere (e.g., router, DNS).
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 crossover cable will only work at 100 Mbps.
Why it's wrong here
Crossover cables can support Gigabit speeds if properly constructed.
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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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 crossover cable is not the cause of the internet issue. — This question tests understanding of crossover cables and modern networking. The correct answer is that most modern switches have Auto-MDIX, so a crossover cable may still work, but if the switch is older, it could cause connectivity issues. However, the symptom of local access but no internet suggests a different problem, so the crossover cable is likely not the issue.
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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