- A
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is an older file transfer protocol, less secure and not ideal for Windows file sharing.
- B
SMB
SMB is the native Windows file sharing protocol, used for accessing shared folders over a network.
- C
NFS
Why wrong: NFS is used in Unix/Linux environments, not typical for Windows file servers.
- D
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is for web content, not for direct file sharing like SMB.
Question 862 of 1,020
SMB File Sharing Protocol: Configuration for CompTIA A+ 220-1201
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network protocols. 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.
A technician is setting up a new file server that needs to be accessible to employees both from the local network and remotely over the internet. The server will host shared folders. Which protocol should the technician ensure is properly configured and secured on the server for file access?
Quick Answer
The answer is SMB, or Server Message Block, which is the correct protocol to configure and secure for this file server scenario. SMB is the native file sharing protocol used in Windows environments, allowing employees to access shared folders over a local network and, when properly secured through VPN or encrypted tunnels, remotely over the internet. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between common file sharing protocols, often presenting NFS (for Linux/Unix), FTP (insecure), or HTTP (web files) as distractors. A common trap is selecting FTP because it can transfer files, but SMB is purpose-built for seamless network file sharing with integrated authentication and security features. For a quick memory tip, think “SMB = Sharing Microsoft’s Best,” reinforcing that SMB is the go-to for Windows-based file server configuration.
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
✓
SMB
SMB (Server Message Block) is the native protocol used by Windows for file and printer sharing, and it is the correct choice for a file server that needs to be accessible both locally and remotely. SMB supports authentication, encryption (via SMB 3.x), and can be securely tunneled over VPN or through port 445 with proper firewall rules, making it ideal for shared folder access in a mixed network environment.
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 an older file transfer protocol, less secure and not ideal for Windows file sharing.
- ✓
SMB
Why this is correct
SMB is the native Windows file sharing protocol, used for accessing shared folders over a network.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
NFS
Why it's wrong here
NFS is used in Unix/Linux environments, not typical for Windows file servers.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is for web content, not for direct file sharing like SMB.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the distinction between protocols designed for file sharing (SMB, NFS) versus file transfer (FTP, HTTP), and the trap here is that candidates may choose FTP because it is commonly associated with 'file access' over the internet, overlooking that SMB is the standard for shared folder access in a Windows-centric environment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB operates over TCP port 445 (direct hosting) or port 139 (NetBIOS session), and in modern implementations (SMB 3.0+), it supports end-to-end encryption, SMB Multichannel for performance, and SMB Direct over RDMA. For remote access, SMB can be secured by requiring SMB signing, enabling encryption, or tunneling through a VPN to avoid exposing port 445 directly to the internet, which is a common attack vector for ransomware like WannaCry.
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.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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: SMB — SMB (Server Message Block) is the native protocol used by Windows for file and printer sharing, and it is the correct choice for a file server that needs to be accessible both locally and remotely. SMB supports authentication, encryption (via SMB 3.x), and can be securely tunneled over VPN or through port 445 with proper firewall rules, making it ideal for shared folder access in a mixed network environment.
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
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