- A
Cat 5e crossover cable
Why wrong: Cat 5e supports 1 Gbps but only up to 100 meters; 120 meters exceeds the maximum length, risking signal loss.
- B
Cat 6a straight-through cable
Cat 6a supports 1 Gbps beyond 100 meters (up to 100 meters at 10 Gbps, but for 1 Gbps it can reach slightly farther with good installation; 120 meters is acceptable with quality cable), and straight-through works with modern switches.
- C
Cat 6 crossover cable
Why wrong: Cat 6 supports 1 Gbps up to 100 meters, but 120 meters is too long for reliable operation, and crossover cables are unnecessary with auto-MDIX.
- D
Cat 5e straight-through cable
Why wrong: Cat 5e is limited to 100 meters for 1 Gbps; 120 meters exceeds the specification and may cause errors or link failure.
Question 34 of 1,020
Choosing the Right Cable: Cat6a Straight-Through for 1 Gbps Switch Links
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network configuration concepts. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
During a network upgrade, a technician needs to connect two switches that are 120 meters apart using a copper Ethernet cable. The cable run must support 1 Gbps speeds. Which cable type and configuration should be used?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is Cat 6a straight-through cable. This is because Cat 6a supports 10 Gbps speeds up to 100 meters and is fully backward compatible with 1 Gbps, making it the only copper Ethernet cable that can reliably handle a 120-meter switch-to-switch cable distance at 1 Gbps while staying within specification. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of Ethernet distance limits and cable types—a common trap is choosing Cat 5e or Cat 6, which are limited to 100 meters and may not guarantee performance at that extended distance. Remember that for switch-to-switch links, straight-through cables work because modern switches use auto-MDIX to automatically correct the pinout. A helpful memory tip: “Six A for the extra stretch—Cat 6a goes the distance without a hitch.”
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
✓
Cat 6a straight-through cable
Cat 6a cabling supports 1 Gbps speeds over distances up to 100 meters, but the question specifies a 120-meter run. However, Cat 6a is designed to handle higher frequencies (500 MHz) and can support 10 Gbps up to 100 meters; for 1 Gbps, it can often exceed the 100-meter limit under proper installation conditions, though the standard maximum for 1 Gbps over twisted pair is 100 meters. The straight-through configuration is correct because modern switches use Auto-MDIX, which automatically detects and corrects for cable type, making crossover cables unnecessary. Given the options, Cat 6a straight-through is the best choice for a 120-meter run at 1 Gbps, as it provides superior signal integrity and noise resistance compared to Cat 5e or Cat 6.
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.
- ✗
Cat 5e crossover cable
Why it's wrong here
Cat 5e supports 1 Gbps but only up to 100 meters; 120 meters exceeds the maximum length, risking signal loss.
- ✓
Cat 6a straight-through cable
Why this is correct
Cat 6a supports 1 Gbps beyond 100 meters (up to 100 meters at 10 Gbps, but for 1 Gbps it can reach slightly farther with good installation; 120 meters is acceptable with quality cable), and straight-through works with modern switches.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Cat 6 crossover cable
Why it's wrong here
Cat 6 supports 1 Gbps up to 100 meters, but 120 meters is too long for reliable operation, and crossover cables are unnecessary with auto-MDIX.
- ✗
Cat 5e straight-through cable
Why it's wrong here
Cat 5e is limited to 100 meters for 1 Gbps; 120 meters exceeds the specification and may cause errors or link failure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall on the CompTIA A+ exam is assuming that crossover cables are required for switch-to-switch connections. However, Auto-MDIX (enabled by default on most modern switches) eliminates this need, making straight-through cables the correct choice regardless of device type.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 100-meter limit for twisted-pair Ethernet (Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a) is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard and is based on signal attenuation and timing requirements; exceeding this distance can cause excessive packet loss and link failures. Cat 6a's improved crosstalk and return loss specifications allow it to maintain signal integrity over longer distances at lower speeds like 1 Gbps, but it is not guaranteed by the standard. In real-world deployments, using a repeater, switch, or fiber optic cable is recommended for runs over 100 meters to ensure compliance and reliability.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Configuration Concepts — This question tests Network Configuration Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cat 6a straight-through cable — Cat 6a cabling supports 1 Gbps speeds over distances up to 100 meters, but the question specifies a 120-meter run. However, Cat 6a is designed to handle higher frequencies (500 MHz) and can support 10 Gbps up to 100 meters; for 1 Gbps, it can often exceed the 100-meter limit under proper installation conditions, though the standard maximum for 1 Gbps over twisted pair is 100 meters. The straight-through configuration is correct because modern switches use Auto-MDIX, which automatically detects and corrects for cable type, making crossover cables unnecessary. Given the options, Cat 6a straight-through is the best choice for a 120-meter run at 1 Gbps, as it provides superior signal integrity and noise resistance compared to Cat 5e or Cat 6.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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