220-1101 Question 219
Single answerStraight tip (ST)A technician is restoring connectivity for a legacy multimode fiber run between two switches in an older campus building. One patch cable has a straight tip (ST) connector on the wall panel side, and the technician needs to identify the correct handling method before reconnecting it. Which action should the technician take?
- A
Align the connector, insert it, and twist to lock it into the bayonet mount
- B
Push the connector straight in until the plastic tab clicks into place
- C
Screw the connector clockwise until the threaded collar is fully tightened
- D
Insert the connector into an RJ45 port and verify link lights
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is to align, insert, and twist the connector to lock it in place because ST stands for straight tip and uses a bayonet-style coupling. In real support environments, ST connectors are often encountered on older fiber installations, especially legacy multimode networks. A common mistake is confusing ST with SC, LC, or FC connector styles. Best practice is to verify connector type before insertion, avoid forcing the connection, and clean fiber ends with approved materials before reconnecting. This aligns with standard fiber handling guidance from major networking and cabling documentation, which distinguishes ST as a twist-lock fiber connector rather than a push-click, threaded, or copper interface.
- A. Correct.
Correct. An ST connector uses a bayonet-style locking mechanism. The technician aligns the keyed connector, inserts it, and twists it to secure the connection. This is the proper handling method for ST fiber connectors commonly found in older fiber installations.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. This describes the latch-style insertion used with connectors such as LC or some copper modular plugs, not ST. ST does not lock with a plastic tab click mechanism.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. This describes a threaded fiber connector such as FC. ST connectors are not screw-on; they use a twist-lock bayonet design instead.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. ST is a fiber-optic connector, not a copper Ethernet connector. An RJ45 port is used for twisted-pair Ethernet cabling and is not physically or functionally compatible with an ST connector.