- A
Toner probe
Why wrong: A toner probe identifies cables but does not test for shorts or proper termination.
- B
Loopback plug
Why wrong: A loopback plug tests the network interface card, not the cable itself.
- C
Cable tester
A cable tester can verify pin-to-pin continuity, detect shorts, and confirm proper termination of the Ethernet cable.
- D
Multimeter
Why wrong: A multimeter can test continuity but is not designed for the specific pinout and wiring standards of Ethernet cables.
Question 148 of 1,020
220-1201 Networking Tools Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of networking tools. 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.
You are deploying a new VoIP phone and need to ensure the Ethernet cable from the wall jack to the phone is properly terminated and has no shorts. The cable appears to be wired correctly but you want to confirm. Which tool should you use?
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
✓
Cable tester
A cable tester verifies continuity, pin-to-pin wiring, and detects shorts or opens in an Ethernet cable. Since the question states the cable appears correctly wired but you need to confirm proper termination and absence of shorts, the cable tester is the correct tool for this passive copper cable validation.
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.
- ✗
Toner probe
Why it's wrong here
A toner probe identifies cables but does not test for shorts or proper termination.
- ✗
Loopback plug
Why it's wrong here
A loopback plug tests the network interface card, not the cable itself.
- ✓
Cable tester
Why this is correct
A cable tester can verify pin-to-pin continuity, detect shorts, and confirm proper termination of the Ethernet cable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Multimeter
Why it's wrong here
A multimeter can test continuity but is not designed for the specific pinout and wiring standards of Ethernet cables.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between a cable tester (for wiring integrity) and a multimeter (for electrical measurements), leading candidates to incorrectly choose the multimeter because they think of 'shorts' as a purely electrical issue, but Ethernet requires pair-wise testing that a multimeter cannot perform.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A basic cable tester sends pulses down each of the eight wires in a twisted-pair cable and checks for proper mapping at the far end, identifying opens, shorts, and miswires. For VoIP phones that rely on PoE (Power over Ethernet), a faulty pair can cause the phone to not power on or drop calls intermittently, making a cable tester essential beyond simple continuity checks. Advanced testers can also measure length and signal loss, but even a simple continuity tester suffices for the described task.
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.
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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: Cable tester — A cable tester verifies continuity, pin-to-pin wiring, and detects shorts or opens in an Ethernet cable. Since the question states the cable appears correctly wired but you need to confirm proper termination and absence of shorts, the cable tester is the correct tool for this passive copper cable validation.
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
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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