100-150 Question 112
Single answerAn office environment is experiencing intermittent connectivity issues on devices using copper Ethernet cables. After investigation, it is determined that the cables run near fluorescent lighting and a microwave in the break room. Which of the following could be the cause of the issue?
- A
Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- B
Signal attenuation due to cable length
- C
Insufficient wireless access point coverage
- D
Fiber optic cable degradation
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a frequent issue with copper Ethernet cables when they are placed near devices emitting electromagnetic energy, such as fluorescent lighting and microwaves. Unlike fiber optic cables, copper cables are susceptible to such interference, which can degrade signal quality and cause connectivity problems.
- A. Correct.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a common issue in copper cables caused by nearby sources of electromagnetic energy, such as fluorescent lights and microwaves. This can disrupt signal transmission.
- B. Incorrect.
Signal attenuation occurs over long copper cable runs, but this scenario specifically mentions interference from external sources, not cable length.
- C. Incorrect.
Wireless access point coverage is unrelated to the connectivity issues here because the devices are using copper Ethernet cables, not wireless connections.
- D. Incorrect.
Fiber optic cables are not mentioned in the scenario, and they are immune to electromagnetic interference, making this option irrelevant.