CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) — Question 372

A technician installed a Cat 5 UTP cable approximately 275ft (84m) from a network switch in an office to a workstation located on a factory floor. The technician sees both a flashing green LED and a flashing orange LED on the workstation's NIC.
Which of the following should the technician do FIRST?

Answer options

• A. Check the RJ45 end connectors, the jacks, and the ends of the run of the Cat 5 UTP cable for loose connections, pinched bends, and visible damage.
• B. Install a powered hub as close as possible to the halfway point in the Cat 5 UTP cable run.
• C. Replace the entire run of Cat 5 UTP cable with Cat 5 STP cable.
• D. Run continuity tests using an Ethernet cable tester to determine if any pairs are broken.

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct first step is to run continuity tests using an Ethernet cable tester to identify any broken pairs in the cable. This is essential because the flashing LEDs indicate potential connection issues, and testing can confirm if the cable is functioning properly. The other options, while they may address issues, do not directly diagnose the problem as effectively as continuity testing does.