CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Practice Question

To test the transmit and receive capabilities of the NICs directly within each system, a loopback plug is the correct tool. When inserted into an Ethernet port, the loopback plug redirects the outgoing signals back into the receiving circuits of the same port. This ensures that the NIC is operational and can handle data transmission. Using software like a Wi-Fi analyzer is inappropriate since it's used to survey wireless networks, not test NICs. Automated diagnostic software on the computer may report on the perceived status of the NIC, but does not complete a physical layer test for sending and receiving as the loopback plug would do. Lastly, Punchdown tools are utilized for inserting wire into terminal blocks on patch panels or keystone jacks and are unrelated to direct port testing.