Quick Answer
The answer is that the <20> entry in the NetBIOS name table indicates the target is a file server. This is because the NetBIOS suffix <20> is specifically registered by the Server service, which provides file and printer sharing capabilities over SMB. When a penetration tester runs nbtstat -A against an IP address, the resulting NetBIOS nbtstat file server identification directly reveals services available for enumeration. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this concept tests your ability to interpret NetBIOS name table outputs for reconnaissance, with a common trap being confusion between <00> (workstation) and <20> (server). Remember that the <20> entry is your green light for SMB attacks, while <00> points to a client machine. A simple memory tip: think of the number 20 as "twenty" and associate it with "server" because both have two syllables, making it easier to recall during the exam.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. 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 penetration tester runs `nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10` on a Windows machine. The output reveals the NetBIOS name table and shows a <20> entry. What does this indicate?
The target is a printer
Why wrong: Printers have <07> or <21> entries.
The target is a file server
<20> indicates the file server service.
The target is a domain controller
Why wrong: Domain controllers typically have <1C> or <1B> entries.
The target is a workstation
Why wrong: Workstations usually show <00> for workstation service.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The target is a file server
NetBIOS <20> identifies a file server service (SMB). The tester can now attempt SMB enumeration or brute-force attacks.
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.
The target is a printer
Why it's wrong here
Printers have <07> or <21> entries.
The target is a file server
Why this is correct
<20> indicates the file server service.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The target is a domain controller
Why it's wrong here
Domain controllers typically have <1C> or <1B> entries.
The target is a workstation
Why it's wrong here
Workstations usually show <00> for workstation service.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Workstations usually show <00> for workstation service.
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 CEH 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 CEH 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
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The target is a file server — NetBIOS <20> identifies a file server service (SMB). The tester can now attempt SMB enumeration or brute-force attacks.
Identify which CEH 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 21, 2026
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CEH exam.
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