- A
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses dynamically, not friendly names.
- B
DNS
DNS maps hostnames to IP addresses, enabling name-based access.
- C
RADIUS
Why wrong: RADIUS provides authentication, authorization, and accounting, not name resolution.
- D
NTP
Why wrong: NTP synchronizes time, not hostname-to-IP mapping.
Question 417 of 1,020
DNS Hostname Resolution for File Server
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network services. 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 and wants to ensure that clients can automatically obtain the server's IP address via a friendly name without manual configuration. Which network service should be configured on the server?
Quick Answer
The answer is DNS, or Domain Name System, because it is the network service specifically designed to resolve hostnames to IP addresses, enabling clients to reach a file server using a friendly name like "fileserver" without needing to remember or manually configure a numeric IP. While DHCP handles automatic IP address assignment, DNS provides the critical name resolution layer that translates that human-readable name into the server’s actual network address. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between core network services—a common trap is confusing DNS with DHCP, but remember that DHCP gives out addresses while DNS gives out names. A useful memory tip: DNS stands for "Domain Name System," so think of it as the phonebook for your network, mapping names to numbers.
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 friendly hostnames (e.g., fileserver.company.local) to IP addresses, allowing clients to automatically discover the server without manual IP entry. DHCP assigns IP addresses dynamically, but does not provide name resolution; DNS is the correct service for mapping names to IPs.
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.
- ✗
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses dynamically, not friendly names.
- ✓
DNS
Why this is correct
DNS maps hostnames to IP addresses, enabling name-based access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
RADIUS
Why it's wrong here
RADIUS provides authentication, authorization, and accounting, not name resolution.
- ✗
NTP
Why it's wrong here
NTP synchronizes time, not hostname-to-IP mapping.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
This question tests the distinction between DHCP (which provides IP configuration) and DNS (which provides name resolution). Candidates often confuse 'automatic IP assignment' with 'automatic name resolution'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DNS uses a hierarchical distributed database; when a client queries a name, the DNS server performs recursive or iterative lookups, consulting root, TLD, and authoritative servers to return the correct A or AAAA record. In a Windows environment, the server can register its own DNS record via dynamic DNS updates (RFC 2136), ensuring clients always resolve the current IP even if it changes via DHCP.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Services — This question tests Network Services — 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 friendly hostnames (e.g., fileserver.company.local) to IP addresses, allowing clients to automatically discover the server without manual IP entry. DHCP assigns IP addresses dynamically, but does not provide name resolution; DNS is the correct service for mapping names to IPs.
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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