Quick Answer
The answer is SMB, or Server Message Block, because it is the native protocol Windows uses for file and printer sharing, making it the correct choice when scanning directly to a shared network folder on a Windows server. SMB allows the multifunction printer to authenticate with the server and write scanned files into the designated folder without needing intermediary services like FTP or email. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of network protocols in real-world deployment scenarios, often appearing as a trap where less experienced technicians might confuse SNMP, which is only for management and monitoring, with file transfer protocols. A common memory tip is to think of SMB as “Sending My Bytes” directly to a Windows share, and remember that FTP requires a dedicated server, while email relies on SMTP—neither of which are native to simple folder scanning.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of multifunction devices. 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.
During a deployment of a new multifunction printer, the technician needs to ensure the device can scan documents directly to a shared network folder on a Windows server. Which protocol must be configured on the printer to support this?
FTP
Why wrong: FTP can be used for file transfers but is not the native Windows file-sharing protocol; it would require an FTP server.
SNMP
Why wrong: SNMP is used for network management and monitoring, not for file transfers.
SMB
SMB is the protocol Windows uses for file and printer sharing; configuring it on the printer allows direct scanning to a shared folder.
SMTP
Why wrong: SMTP is for email, not for saving files to a network folder.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SMB
This question tests knowledge of network protocols used for scanning to a network folder. SMB (Server Message Block) is the standard protocol for file sharing in Windows environments. FTP or email would require additional services, and SNMP is for management only.
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.
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP can be used for file transfers but is not the native Windows file-sharing protocol; it would require an FTP server.
SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is used for network management and monitoring, not for file transfers.
SMB
Why this is correct
SMB is the protocol Windows uses for file and printer sharing; configuring it on the printer allows direct scanning to a shared folder.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SMTP
Why it's wrong here
SMTP is for email, not for saving files to a network folder.
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.
Multifunction Devices — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Multifunction Devices — This question tests Multifunction Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SMB — This question tests knowledge of network protocols used for scanning to a network folder. SMB (Server Message Block) is the standard protocol for file sharing in Windows environments. FTP or email would require additional services, and SNMP is for management only.
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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