220-1101 Question 152
Single answer2.7 Compare and contrast internet connection types, network types, and their characteristics.A technician is helping a small architecture firm that is moving into a temporary field office near a construction site. The office needs internet access for 12 laptops within two days. Running new cable from the street is not permitted, and the team must be able to upload large design files while also supporting video meetings. The site is within a city area that has strong cellular coverage. Which internet connection type is the BEST fit for this situation?
- A
DSL service over the existing telephone lines
- B
Fiber internet provisioned to the temporary office
- C
Cellular hotspot or fixed wireless cellular service
- D
Dial-up internet using an analog modem
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The key issue is matching the connection type to the business constraints: temporary location, rapid deployment, no new cable installation, and adequate performance for collaboration and file transfer. In CompTIA A+ Core 1 objective 2.7, candidates are expected to compare internet connection types and recognize where each is most appropriate. Cellular internet is commonly used for temporary offices, remote sites, and failover connectivity because it avoids dependence on new wired infrastructure and can often be activated quickly. Fiber is generally superior for performance, and DSL may work in some fixed locations, but both are less practical when installation time and cabling restrictions are major factors. This reflects common industry practice and provider deployment models for broadband services.
- A. Incorrect.
DSL can provide internet over copper telephone lines, but it depends on an existing supported phone line and service availability at the location. In this scenario, the office needs service within two days and cannot run new outside cabling. DSL is also typically less suitable than modern cellular options for quickly deployed temporary sites that need good upstream performance for large file uploads and video conferencing.
- B. Incorrect.
Fiber offers very high bandwidth and low latency, making it excellent for large uploads and video meetings. However, it is not the best fit here because fiber installation usually requires provider provisioning and physical plant access, which conflicts with the requirement for very rapid deployment at a temporary location where new cable runs are not permitted.
- C. Correct.
Cellular hotspot or fixed wireless cellular service is the best choice because it can be deployed quickly without installing new wired infrastructure. With strong city cellular coverage, a business-grade 4G LTE or 5G connection can provide practical internet access for a temporary office and supports mobility and fast setup. This aligns well with a short-term site where traditional wired broadband installation is impractical.
- D. Incorrect.
Dial-up uses analog telephone service and provides extremely limited bandwidth. It is not appropriate for a modern office with 12 laptops, large design file uploads, and video meetings. A candidate might choose this by associating it with phone-line availability, but its speed is far below the needs described.