easyMultiple Choice
XK0-006 Practice Question: Identify the network interface configuration and…
A technician needs to identify the network interface configuration and IP address of a system. Which command provides the most comprehensive output for this task?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose `ifconfig` out of habit, not realizing it is deprecated and may not show all interfaces or IPv6 addresses, whereas `ip addr show` is the comprehensive, modern standard.
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
✓
ip addr show
The `ip addr show` command is the most comprehensive because it displays all network interfaces along with their IP addresses (IPv4 and IPv6), MAC addresses, MTU, state (UP/DOWN), and additional flags. It is part of the modern `iproute2` suite, which is the standard for Linux network configuration and supersedes older tools like `ifconfig`.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
nmcli dev show
Why it's wrong here
nmcli dev show lists only NetworkManager-managed interfaces, so it omits unmanaged devices, routing tables and socket statistics that a full diagnostic needs. It is tempting because it presents clean per-device IP, MAC and DNS detail, and would be the right choice on a NetworkManager-controlled host when you specifically want connection profile state.
- ✓
ip addr show
Why this is correct
The ip addr show command displays every interface with its IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, MAC address, MTU and link state in one output, covering both configuration and addressing. Legacy ifconfig omits some modern interface detail, so ip addr show is the most comprehensive.
- ✗
netstat -i
Why it's wrong here
netstat -i reports per-interface packet, error and drop counters but does not show IP addresses, netmasks or MAC addresses, so it cannot identify interface configuration. It is tempting because it summarises interface statistics compactly, and would be correct when troubleshooting transmission errors or collisions rather than reading addressing.
- ✗
ifconfig
Why it's wrong here
ifconfig displays addresses and counters for interfaces that are up, but on modern distributions it is deprecated and absent unless net-tools is installed, and it omits wireless, routing and socket detail. It is tempting from familiarity, and would be correct on a legacy system where net-tools is present and only basic interface state is needed.
- ✗
hostname -I
Why it's wrong here
hostname -I prints only the host's own assigned IP addresses, one per line, with no interface names, MAC addresses, flags or error counters, so it cannot identify interface configuration. It is tempting for a quick address lookup, and would be correct when scripting a check that merely needs the local IPs without interface detail.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Linux Fundamentals and History
Key term
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that manages computer hardware and software, widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
Key term
Output
In IT service management, output is the result or deliverable produced by a process, system, or component, such as data, reports, or services delivered to a customer.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.