Quick Answer
The answer is DNS, or Domain Name System, because it is the network service specifically designed to resolve hostnames to IP addresses, enabling clients to reach a file server using a friendly name like "fileserver" without needing to remember or manually configure a numeric IP. While DHCP handles automatic IP address assignment, DNS provides the critical name resolution layer that translates that human-readable name into the server’s actual network address. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between core network services—a common trap is confusing DNS with DHCP, but remember that DHCP gives out addresses while DNS gives out names. A useful memory tip: DNS stands for "Domain Name System," so think of it as the phonebook for your network, mapping names to numbers.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. 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 wants to ensure that clients can automatically obtain the server's IP address via a friendly name without manual configuration. Which network service should be configured on the server?
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses dynamically, not friendly names.
DNS
DNS maps hostnames to IP addresses, enabling name-based access.
RADIUS
Why wrong: RADIUS provides authentication, authorization, and accounting, not name resolution.
NTP
Why wrong: NTP synchronizes time, not hostname-to-IP mapping.
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 basic understanding of DNS. DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, allowing clients to use a friendly name like 'fileserver' instead of an IP. DHCP assigns IPs, but DNS provides name resolution.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses dynamically, not friendly names.
DNS
Why this is correct
DNS maps hostnames to IP addresses, enabling name-based access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS provides authentication, authorization, and accounting, not name resolution.
NTP
Why it's wrong here
NTP synchronizes time, not hostname-to-IP mapping.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: DNS — This question tests basic understanding of DNS. DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses, allowing clients to use a friendly name like 'fileserver' instead of an IP. DHCP assigns IPs, but DNS provides name resolution.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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