hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a network where…
A technician is troubleshooting a network where users can access internal resources but cannot reach any external websites. The internal network uses a proxy server. The technician finds that the proxy server is configured to use a specific protocol to forward requests to the internet. Which protocol is the proxy server most likely using to communicate with external web servers?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates may confuse the protocol used for internal client-to-proxy communication (HTTP/HTTPS) with the protocol used for proxy-to-external server communication, or mistakenly think DNS or FTP are used for forwarding web requests. In CompTIA A+, remember that proxy servers use HTTP/HTTPS to forward web requests to external servers.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HTTP
The proxy server is most likely using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to forward requests to external web servers. Since users are accessing internal resources but cannot reach external websites, the proxy server acts as an intermediary for web traffic. HTTP is the standard protocol for web communication, and proxy servers typically use HTTP (or HTTPS) to forward client requests to internet web servers, as it allows the proxy to cache, filter, and modify web traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an application-layer protocol specifically designed for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network. While it facilitates data movement, its purpose is distinct from forwarding web requests. A proxy server handling web traffic uses protocols tailored for hypermedia, not the specialized file transfer mechanisms of FTP, which lacks the necessary features for interpreting and routing HTTP/HTTPS content.
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DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS (Domain Name System) is a fundamental network service that translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses, which is a prerequisite for nearly all internet communication, including proxy operations. While a proxy server *must* utilize DNS to resolve the IP address of the ultimate destination web server, DNS itself is not the protocol employed by the proxy to *forward* the actual web request from the client to that destination. The proxy relies on application-layer protocols like HTTP or HTTPS for the content forwarding.
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HTTP
Why this is correct
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the primary application-layer protocol for transmitting hypermedia documents, such as HTML, across the World Wide Web. When a client is configured to use a proxy server, it sends its web requests (often HTTP or HTTPS) directly to the proxy. The proxy then acts on behalf of the client, establishing its own connection to the destination web server and forwarding the client's HTTP request, receiving the response, and then relaying it back to the client. This makes HTTP the core protocol for forwarding web traffic through a proxy.
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SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is an application-layer protocol used for managing and monitoring network devices, such as routers, switches, and servers, on an IP network. It enables network administrators to collect information, modify device configurations, and receive event notifications from managed devices. SNMP's function is entirely separate from the process of a proxy server relaying client web requests to external websites, as it deals with infrastructure management and monitoring rather than content delivery or web traffic forwarding.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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