The answer is the `ip route show` and `route -n` commands. Both display the kernel IP routing table, which tells the system how to forward packets to different networks; `route -n` shows the table with numeric addresses to avoid slow DNS lookups, while `ip route show` from the modern `iproute2` suite provides the same information with richer detail and is the preferred tool in newer distributions. On the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator LFCS exam, this question tests your familiarity with both legacy and contemporary network diagnostic tools, and a common trap is forgetting that `route` alone may resolve hostnames, slowing output, or assuming `netstat -r` is the primary answer when `ip route` is now the standard. A reliable memory tip: think "numeric for speed, ip for detail" — when you need a fast, no-frills view, use `route -n`; for full control and scripting, reach for `ip route show`.
LFCS Networking Practice Question
This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of networking. 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.
Which TWO commands can be used to display the current routing table on a Linux system?
Why wrong: ss -r is not a valid command for routing tables; ss is for socket statistics.
B
route -n
route -n displays the routing table.
C
ip route show
ip route show displays the routing table.
D
netstat -r
Why wrong: netstat -r also displays the routing table, but the question asks for TWO commands; netstat -r is correct but not the best choice because it's deprecated. However, the intended correct answers are A and D.
E
ifconfig
Why wrong: ifconfig displays network interfaces, not routing tables.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
route -n
The `route -n` command displays the kernel IP routing table with numeric addresses, avoiding DNS resolution for faster output. The `ip route show` command is part of the modern `iproute2` suite and shows the same routing table with more detail and flexibility. Both are standard tools for viewing the current routing table on Linux.
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.
✗
ss -r
Why it's wrong here
ss -r is not a valid command for routing tables; ss is for socket statistics.
✓
route -n
Why this is correct
route -n displays the routing table.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
ip route show
Why this is correct
ip route show displays the routing table.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
netstat -r
Why it's wrong here
netstat -r also displays the routing table, but the question asks for TWO commands; netstat -r is correct but not the best choice because it's deprecated. However, the intended correct answers are A and D.
✗
ifconfig
Why it's wrong here
ifconfig displays network interfaces, not routing tables.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that `netstat -r` is a valid command for displaying the routing table, but it is deprecated and not considered a primary tool in the LFCS exam, which emphasizes the modern `ip` command over legacy tools.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
ss -r is not a valid command for routing tables; ss is for socket statistics.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The routing table is stored in the kernel's FIB (Forwarding Information Base) and is consulted for every outgoing packet to determine the next hop. The `ip route show` command from `iproute2` can show additional attributes like metrics, scope, and protocol source, whereas `route -n` only shows the basic destination, gateway, netmask, and interface. In modern distributions, `ip route` is preferred because it integrates with advanced features like policy routing and multiple routing tables.
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 LFCS 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.
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: route -n — The `route -n` command displays the kernel IP routing table with numeric addresses, avoiding DNS resolution for faster output. The `ip route show` command is part of the modern `iproute2` suite and shows the same routing table with more detail and flexibility. Both are standard tools for viewing the current routing table on Linux.
What should I do if I get this LFCS 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO commands can be used to display the routing table on a Linux system?
medium
✓ A.route -n
✓ B.ip route show
C.ip addr show
D.arp -a
E.ss -tln
Why A: The `route -n` command displays the kernel IP routing table with numeric addresses, showing destination, gateway, netmask, and interface. The `ip route show` command is the modern equivalent from the iproute2 suite, which also displays the routing table with more detailed information. Both are standard tools for viewing routing decisions on a Linux system.
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This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation 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 LFCS exam.
Question Discussion
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