- A
DNS
DNS resolves the hostname 'fileserver' to its IP address, allowing users to use friendly names.
- B
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses but does not resolve hostnames.
- C
SMB
Why wrong: SMB is the protocol used for file sharing, but it relies on DNS or NetBIOS for name resolution.
- D
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is used for web traffic, not for file sharing via SMB.
Question 441 of 1,020
DNS for Hostname Resolution in File Sharing
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 technician is setting up a new file server and needs to ensure that users can access shared folders using a friendly name like \\fileserver\share instead of an IP address. Which protocol must be configured correctly on the network?
Quick Answer
The answer is DNS, as it is the protocol responsible for hostname resolution in file sharing environments. DNS, or Domain Name System, translates user-friendly hostnames like \\fileserver into the corresponding IP address that network devices actually use to locate and connect to the resource. Without DNS configured correctly, users would be forced to memorize and type raw IP addresses, such as \\192.168.1.10\share, which is impractical and error-prone. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how name resolution underpins network resource accessibility, often appearing in scenarios where a technician must choose between DNS, DHCP, or WINS. A common trap is confusing DNS with NetBIOS name resolution, but remember that modern Windows networks rely on DNS for hostname resolution in file sharing, not legacy protocols. Memory tip: DNS = “Directory of Names for Servers”—it’s the phonebook that turns a friendly name into a usable number.
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
✓
DNS
DNS (Domain Name System) resolves the friendly hostname 'fileserver' to the server's IP address, allowing users to use \\fileserver\share instead of an IP address. Without DNS, the SMB client cannot translate the name, and the connection fails. This makes DNS the correct protocol for name resolution in this scenario.
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.
- ✓
DNS
Why this is correct
DNS resolves the hostname 'fileserver' to its IP address, allowing users to use friendly names.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses but does not resolve hostnames.
- ✗
SMB
Why it's wrong here
SMB is the protocol used for file sharing, but it relies on DNS or NetBIOS for name resolution.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is used for web traffic, not for file sharing via SMB.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA A+ often tests the distinction between the protocol that provides the service (SMB) and the protocol that enables name resolution (DNS), leading candidates to mistakenly select SMB because it is directly involved in file sharing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DNS uses a hierarchical namespace and resource records (e.g., A or AAAA records) to map hostnames to IP addresses. In a Windows environment, the SMB client first attempts DNS resolution; if that fails, it may fall back to NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT) or LLMNR, but these are less reliable and often disabled in modern networks. Proper DNS configuration ensures consistent name resolution across subnets and avoids broadcast-based fallbacks.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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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: DNS — DNS (Domain Name System) resolves the friendly hostname 'fileserver' to the server's IP address, allowing users to use \\fileserver\share instead of an IP address. Without DNS, the SMB client cannot translate the name, and the connection fails. This makes DNS the correct protocol for name resolution in this scenario.
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.
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
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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