Quick Answer
The answer is DNS, as it is the protocol responsible for hostname resolution in file sharing environments. DNS, or Domain Name System, translates user-friendly hostnames like \\fileserver into the corresponding IP address that network devices actually use to locate and connect to the resource. Without DNS configured correctly, users would be forced to memorize and type raw IP addresses, such as \\192.168.1.10\share, which is impractical and error-prone. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how name resolution underpins network resource accessibility, often appearing in scenarios where a technician must choose between DNS, DHCP, or WINS. A common trap is confusing DNS with NetBIOS name resolution, but remember that modern Windows networks rely on DNS for hostname resolution in file sharing, not legacy protocols. Memory tip: DNS = “Directory of Names for Servers”—it’s the phonebook that turns a friendly name into a usable number.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is setting up a new file server and needs to ensure that users can access shared folders using a friendly name like \\fileserver\share instead of an IP address. Which protocol must be configured correctly on the network?
DNS
DNS resolves the hostname 'fileserver' to its IP address, allowing users to use friendly names.
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses but does not resolve hostnames.
SMB
Why wrong: SMB is the protocol used for file sharing, but it relies on DNS or NetBIOS for name resolution.
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is used for web traffic, not for file sharing via SMB.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DNS
This question tests knowledge of DNS, which resolves hostnames to IP addresses. Without DNS, users would have to use IP addresses to access network resources.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
DNS
Why this is correct
DNS resolves the hostname 'fileserver' to its IP address, allowing users to use friendly names.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses but does not resolve hostnames.
SMB
Why it's wrong here
SMB is the protocol used for file sharing, but it relies on DNS or NetBIOS for name resolution.
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is used for web traffic, not for file sharing via SMB.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DNS — This question tests knowledge of DNS, which resolves hostnames to IP addresses. Without DNS, users would have to use IP addresses to access network resources.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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