- A
Cable tester
Why wrong: A cable tester could verify the wall jack's wiring, but without knowing which cable corresponds to which port at the patch panel, tracing is needed first.
- B
Tone generator and probe
This tool set allows the technician to identify the specific cable at the patch panel and then test continuity, making it ideal for this scenario.
- C
Loopback plug
Why wrong: A loopback plug tests the NIC itself, but the NIC's link light is off, and the issue is likely beyond the computer.
- D
Multimeter
Why wrong: A multimeter can check for shorts but is not designed for tracing cables or verifying network wiring standards.
Question 332 of 1,020
How to Use a Tone Generator and Probe to Trace Cables
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of networking tools. 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 user reports that their wired desktop cannot connect to the network. The technician verifies the link light on the computer's NIC is off. Using a known-good patch cable does not resolve the issue. Which tool should be used to test the wall jack's wiring?
Quick Answer
The answer is a tone generator and probe. This tool is correct because when the link light on the NIC is off and a known-good patch cable fails to restore connectivity, the fault likely lies in the wall jack’s wiring or its termination at the patch panel; a tone generator sends a signal down the specific cable pair, and the probe detects that tone at the other end, allowing the technician to trace the exact cable path and verify continuity without relying on network activity. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between cable testing tools—a common trap is choosing a cable tester or multimeter, but those check for shorts or voltage, not cable tracing. Remember the mnemonic “Tone for Trace”: if you need to find which cable goes where, reach for the tone generator and probe.
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
✓
Tone generator and probe
A tone generator and probe allow a technician to trace the wall jack back to the patch panel and verify continuity. Since the link light is off and a known-good cable didn't help, the issue may be in the wall jack or its termination, and tracing the cable is the next step.
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.
- ✗
Cable tester
Why it's wrong here
A cable tester could verify the wall jack's wiring, but without knowing which cable corresponds to which port at the patch panel, tracing is needed first.
- ✓
Tone generator and probe
Why this is correct
This tool set allows the technician to identify the specific cable at the patch panel and then test continuity, making it ideal for this scenario.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Loopback plug
Why it's wrong here
A loopback plug tests the NIC itself, but the NIC's link light is off, and the issue is likely beyond the computer.
- ✗
Multimeter
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter can check for shorts but is not designed for tracing cables or verifying network wiring standards.
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.
Visual reference
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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Networking Tools — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Networking Tools — This question tests Networking Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Tone generator and probe — A tone generator and probe allow a technician to trace the wall jack back to the patch panel and verify continuity. Since the link light is off and a known-good cable didn't help, the issue may be in the wall jack or its termination, and tracing the cable is the next step.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a network upgrade, a technician needs to document the physical path a cable takes from a workstation to the patch panel in the server room. Which tool is specifically designed to trace the exact cable route through walls and ceilings?
easy- A.Cable tester
- ✓ B.Toner and probe
- C.Crimper
- D.Punch-down tool
Why B: A toner and probe (often called a fox and hound) is specifically designed to trace the physical path of a cable through walls, ceilings, and conduits. The toner injects an analog audio signal onto the cable, and the inductive probe detects that signal without needing a direct electrical connection, allowing the technician to follow the cable's route even when it is hidden behind building materials.
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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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