Why did the telephone system lose connection with a working console and module access?
Short answer
A A switch failed.
Question
Key Takeaways
This question tests your ability to isolate a physical-layer switch fault when other components appear functional; the trap is thinking a module failed even though the console can connect directly to each module.
The most likely reason for the phone system connection loss is a failed switch, as evidenced by abnormal link/activity LEDs on unused ports after reboot. The community favors answer A (56%), agreeing that direct console-to-module access rules out module or cable failure.
Common mistake: Choosing D (a module failed) is the most common wrong answer because it seems to explain why the phone system is offline, but it ignores the key evidence that the console can directly connect to individual modules successfully, proving the modules are functional.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The evidence points to a failed switch (A). The support team can connect remotely to the administration console, so the console itself and its network path are working. Rebooting the switch shows solid link and activity lights even on unused ports, which is a classic symptom of a failing switch or port LED controller. The console can connect directly to individual modules successfully, proving the modules and cables are fine, leaving the switch as the common failing component. One commenter correctly states, "Direct connection to modules work, Link lights up on a port with no cable connection are indicative of a failing switch."
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B (console software needs reinstall) is wrong because the support team can connect remotely and the console can directly reach modules, showing the software is functioning. Option C (cables to modules need replacement) is also wrong because the console's successful direct connections to modules verify that the cables carry data. Option D (a module failed) is contradicted by the clue that the console can connect to individual modules directly; if a module had failed, that direct connection would not work. Some commenters preferred D, but the direct-link test is specifically designed to rule out the modules.
Community Comment Notes
The community is split 56–44 between A and D, making this a tricky question. The strongest A answers note that after rebooting, solid link and activity lights on unused ports "screams switch failing" and that direct connections to modules work while unused ports show link lights. The D answers focus on the phone system still being offline, but they fail to explain why the console can connect directly to each module. The question deliberately gives you the direct-connection clue to eliminate the module and cable as suspects, so a failed switch remains the only logical answer.
Official Reference
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/network
This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.
Exam Strategy
Use the method of elimination: each clue either proves a component is good or isolates a faulty one. Direct console-to-module connectivity proves modules and cables are fine, and remote access to the console proves management works, so the switch is the only component left. On the exam, never ignore a port LED symptom, especially after a reboot — it is often the decisive clue for a hardware failure.
Community Votes
56% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 6 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 6
-
085d557 👍 2 Answered DI would still go with D. It's an astute observation. While solid link and activity lights on unused ports might seem unusual and could be interpreted as a potential switch failure, the fact that the support team can still connect remotely to the administration console suggests that the switch is likely still functioning correctly to some extent. The presence of activity lights on unused ports could indicate a misconfiguration or another network issue, but given the symptoms described, a module failure within the telephone system still seems more plausible. The console's ability to connect directly to individual modules but not to bring the entire system online points towards an internal issue within the telephone system, potentially with one of the modules.
-
93831b0 👍 2 Answered AWhen a network switch shows solid link and activity lights on all ports, including unused ones, after rebooting, it typically indicates that the switch is experiencing a broadcast storm or network loop. This screams switch failing !!!
-
blasgmz99 👍 2 Answered ADirect connection to modules work, Link lights up on a port with no cable connection are indicative of a failing switch.
-
ec_ 👍 1 Answered AA module failed. But the console can connect directly to individual modules, which implies they're working. So D is unlikely. So the most likely answer is A. The switch failed. Even though they rebooted it, maybe the reboot didn't resolve the hardware issue, or there's a configuration problem. The solid lights on unused ports might indicate a malfunctioning switch. Since the telephone system didn't come back after reboot, and direct connections work, the problem is likely the switch handling the telephone system's traffic. The support team can access the admin console via another interface connected to a different switch, so that's why they can still connect remotely.
-
noone21 👍 1 Answered Dmodule failed: This is the most likely cause, as the console can connect to individual modules, but the telephone system is not working.
Show 1 more comment
-
HeatSquad77 👍 1 Answered DThe most likely reason the customer lost the connection is D. A module failed.
Reader comments & corrections
No reader corrections yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.
Related Analysis
Practice All N10-009 Questions
Access 100 questions with complete answers and detailed explanations.
View Full N10-009 Practice Test →