220-1101 domain - 25% of the exam

Hardware

Hardware is 25% of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) exam. These are the objectives it covers, each with practice questions and worked explanations.

Objectives in this domain

Sample question from this domain

Free sampleHardwaremedium

Priya is running a new data drop from a switch to a workstation that must support a 1 Gbps Ethernet link. She needs to terminate the twisted-pair cable with the correct plug. Which connector should she crimp onto the cable?

  • ARJ-11, the six-position plug commonly used to terminate copper runs feeding desktop network adapters
  • BRJ-45, the eight-position plug that terminates the four twisted pairs of an Ethernet patch or drop cable Correct
  • CF-type, the threaded coaxial connector used to terminate the run and land it on the workstation adapter
  • DDB-9, the nine-pin serial connector often crimped onto twisted-pair runs feeding network ports
Gigabit Ethernet over twisted pair is terminated with an eight-position RJ-45 connector, not the six-position RJ-11 telephone plug. Gigabit Ethernet transmits over all four twisted pairs, and only the 8P8C RJ-45 connector lands all eight conductors; RJ-11 exposes just the centre positions used for telephony.

Why A is wrong: RJ-11 is tempting because it looks like a smaller Ethernet plug and uses the same crimp tooling, but it is a 6-position telephone connector and will not carry a Gigabit Ethernet link.

Why B is correct: RJ-45 is an 8P8C connector that lands all four pairs, which Gigabit Ethernet requires, making it the correct plug for a 1 Gbps drop.

Why C is wrong: F-type is plausible from cable-modem work, but it terminates 75-ohm coaxial cable, not twisted pair, so it cannot terminate an Ethernet drop.

Why D is wrong: DB-9 is a legacy serial connector for consoles and peripherals, not a crimp-on Ethernet plug, so it cannot terminate a network drop.

Other domains in this exam

See also the 220-1101 cert hub, the study guide, and the cheat sheet.

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