mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: That they can receive emails but cannot send any
A user reports that they can receive emails but cannot send any. The email client is configured with SMTP on port 25. The IT team confirms that port 25 is blocked by the ISP. Which alternative port should be used for SMTP submission?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that any port associated with email (like POP3 on 110 or IMAP on 143) can be used for sending, when in fact only SMTP-specific ports (25, 587, or 465) handle outgoing mail.
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
✓
Port 587
Port 587 is the standard SMTP submission port defined in RFC 6409 for email clients to send outgoing mail. Unlike port 25, which is used for SMTP relay between mail servers and is often blocked by ISPs to prevent spam, port 587 is specifically designated for client-to-server submission and typically supports STARTTLS encryption. Using port 587 bypasses the ISP's block on port 25 while adhering to modern email security practices.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Port 110
Why it's wrong here
Port 110 is for POP3, used to receive email.
- ✗
Port 143
Why it's wrong here
Port 143 is for IMAP, used to receive email.
- ✓
Port 587
Why this is correct
Port 587 is the standard SMTP submission port, often allowed by ISPs.
- ✗
Port 993
Why it's wrong here
Port 993 is for IMAPS, secure IMAP for receiving email.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Mobile Email Configuration: POP3, IMAP, Exchange
Key term
SMTP
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is the standard internet protocol used to send emails from a client to a server or between email servers.
Key term
CAN
A CAN (Controller Area Network) is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.