The answer is DNS, because in a Windows domain, DNS is the core service responsible for hostname resolution, mapping a server name like \\fileserver to its correct IP address. When a technician adds an A record for the file server in the domain’s DNS zone, Active Directory clients can instantly resolve the hostname without relying on broadcasts or legacy services. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Windows domains centralize name resolution—a common trap is confusing DNS with DHCP (which assigns IPs but does not resolve names) or WINS (a deprecated NetBIOS resolver). Remember that in a domain environment, DNS is the authoritative directory for all host-to-IP mappings, making it the default answer for any server or client name resolution scenario. A helpful memory tip: “DNS Does Name Service” for domain-joined devices.
220-1201 Network Services Practice Question
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 configuring a new file server and wants to ensure that when users type \\fileserver in File Explorer, it resolves to the correct IP address. The network uses a Windows domain with Active Directory. Which network service should the technician configure to allow hostname resolution for this server?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DNS
In a Windows domain, DNS is the primary method for resolving hostnames to IP addresses, especially for servers. The technician should add an A record for the file server in the DNS zone. DHCP assigns IPs but does not provide name resolution, and WINS is legacy for NetBIOS names.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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 but does not provide hostname resolution.
✓
DNS
Why this is correct
DNS resolves hostnames like 'fileserver' to IP addresses. Adding an A record in the DNS zone will allow users to connect via the hostname.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
WINS
Why it's wrong here
WINS resolves NetBIOS names, but in a modern Windows domain, DNS is the preferred and more scalable solution.
✗
NAT
Why it's wrong here
NAT translates private IPs to public IPs and is not involved in internal hostname resolution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS — In a Windows domain, DNS is the primary method for resolving hostnames to IP addresses, especially for servers. The technician should add an A record for the file server in the DNS zone. DHCP assigns IPs but does not provide name resolution, and WINS is legacy for NetBIOS names.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A customer reports that their laptop can connect to the internet via a wired connection but cannot access any network shares or printers by hostname. They can ping the IP address of the file server. Which network service is most likely misconfigured?
easy
A.DHCP
✓ B.DNS
C.NAT
D.ARP
Why B: This scenario describes a failure in name resolution for local network resources. DNS translates hostnames to IP addresses; since the customer can ping by IP but not by name, the DNS service is the likely culprit. DHCP provides IP configuration, not name resolution, and ARP resolves IP to MAC addresses.
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Question Discussion
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