- A
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is used for file transfers, not for sending email directly from a printer.
- B
IMAP
Why wrong: IMAP is used for retrieving email from a server, not for sending outgoing messages.
- C
SMTP
SMTP is the protocol used to send outgoing email, making it the likely misconfigured protocol here.
- D
SNMP
Why wrong: SNMP is used for network management and monitoring, not for email transmission.
Question 761 of 1,020
220-1201 Network Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 customer reports that their new all-in-one printer can scan and copy locally, but they cannot send scanned documents to their email address. The printer is connected to the office network and can ping other devices. Which protocol is most likely misconfigured on the printer?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
✓
SMTP
The printer can scan and copy locally and is reachable on the network (ping works), but it cannot send scanned documents to an email address. This indicates the printer is configured to use SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to send the email, but the SMTP server settings (server address, port, authentication, or encryption) are likely incorrect or missing. SMTP is the standard protocol for sending outgoing email, which is exactly what the printer needs to deliver the scanned document as an email attachment.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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 is used for file transfers, not for sending email directly from a printer.
- ✗
IMAP
Why it's wrong here
IMAP is used for retrieving email from a server, not for sending outgoing messages.
- ✓
SMTP
Why this is correct
SMTP is the protocol used to send outgoing email, making it the likely misconfigured protocol here.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is used for network management and monitoring, not for email transmission.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates might confuse IMAP (used to read email) with SMTP (used to send email), especially when the question involves an email-related function like scanning to email.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMTP typically uses port 25 (plain), 587 (submission with STARTTLS), or 465 (SMTPS). Many modern email servers require authentication and TLS encryption, so the printer must have the correct SMTP server hostname, port, and credentials configured. A common subtlety is that the printer may need to support SMTP AUTH (RFC 4954) and may fail silently if the server requires a secure connection that the printer does not negotiate.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Protocols — This question tests Network Protocols — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SMTP — The printer can scan and copy locally and is reachable on the network (ping works), but it cannot send scanned documents to an email address. This indicates the printer is configured to use SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to send the email, but the SMTP server settings (server address, port, authentication, or encryption) are likely incorrect or missing. SMTP is the standard protocol for sending outgoing email, which is exactly what the printer needs to deliver the scanned document as an email attachment.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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