Quick Answer
The answer is port 445. This port is used by SMB directly over TCP/IP, a protocol that allows Windows file sharing and printer access without the overhead of NetBIOS, which relies on ports 137, 138, and 139. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, you will often see a scenario where an auditor flags multiple open ports on a file server, and you must identify which one represents modern SMB traffic. The common trap is confusing port 445 with the older NetBIOS ports, but remember that NetBIOS uses ports 137-139, while SMB over TCP/IP uses only 445. A helpful memory tip: think of the number 445 as “four for file sharing” and “45 for direct TCP connection,” skipping the middleman NetBIOS entirely.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of tcp & udp ports. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 security audit reveals that an internal file server is listening on multiple ports, including 137, 138, 139, and 445. The auditor recommends disabling older protocols. Which port is associated with SMB over TCP/IP directly (without NetBIOS)?
137
Why wrong: Port 137 is used by NetBIOS name service, not direct SMB.
139
Why wrong: Port 139 is used by NetBIOS session service, not direct SMB.
445
Port 445 is used by SMB directly over TCP/IP, without NetBIOS.
443
Why wrong: Port 443 is HTTPS, not 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
445
Port 445 is used by SMB directly over TCP/IP (also known as SMB over TCP). Ports 137-139 are used by NetBIOS over TCP/IP, which is older and less secure. Port 443 is HTTPS, and port 21 is FTP.
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.
137
Why it's wrong here
Port 137 is used by NetBIOS name service, not direct SMB.
139
Why it's wrong here
Port 139 is used by NetBIOS session service, not direct SMB.
445
Why this is correct
Port 445 is used by SMB directly over TCP/IP, without NetBIOS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
443
Why it's wrong here
Port 443 is HTTPS, not 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
TCP & UDP Ports — This question tests TCP & UDP Ports — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 445 — Port 445 is used by SMB directly over TCP/IP (also known as SMB over TCP). Ports 137-139 are used by NetBIOS over TCP/IP, which is older and less secure. Port 443 is HTTPS, and port 21 is FTP.
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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