Quick Answer
The answer is 'request system software add /var/tmp/junos-install.tgz' is one of three valid operational mode commands, alongside 'show interfaces terse' and 'monitor interface traffic'. These commands are correct because operational mode in Junos is designed for real-time monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuration verification, not for altering the active configuration—that is the role of configuration mode. The 'show' and 'monitor' families provide visibility into device state, while 'request system software add' is a valid operational command for installing software, as it does not modify the running configuration directly. On the JNCIA-Junos exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between operational and configuration mode commands; a common trap is confusing 'set' or 'edit' commands, which only work in configuration mode, with operational commands. Remember the memory tip: if the command starts with 'show', 'monitor', 'ping', 'traceroute', or 'request system', you are likely in operational mode—think "observe and request, never set."
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question tests your understanding of junos os fundamentals. 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.
Which THREE commands are valid in Junos operational mode? (Choose three.)
show interfaces terse
This is an operational mode command.
set interfaces ge-0/0/0 unit 0 family inet address 10.0.0.1/24
Why wrong: This is a configuration mode command.
commit and-quit
Why wrong: This is a configuration mode command.
ping 10.0.0.1 count 5
This is an operational mode command.
request system software add /var/tmp/junos-install.tgz
This is an operational mode command.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show interfaces terse
Option A is correct because 'show interfaces terse' is a valid operational mode command that displays a concise summary of interface status and configuration. Operational mode in Junos is used for monitoring, troubleshooting, and viewing the current state of the device, and 'show' commands are the primary tools for this purpose.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
show interfaces terse
Why this is correct
This is an operational mode command.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
set interfaces ge-0/0/0 unit 0 family inet address 10.0.0.1/24
Why it's wrong here
This is a configuration mode command.
commit and-quit
Why it's wrong here
This is a configuration mode command.
ping 10.0.0.1 count 5
Why this is correct
This is an operational mode command.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
request system software add /var/tmp/junos-install.tgz
Why this is correct
This is an operational mode command.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates familiar with Cisco IOS may mistakenly think 'set' commands are valid in operational mode, or that 'commit and-quit' is a valid shortcut, when in Junos, operational mode only supports 'show', 'ping', 'traceroute', 'request', and other monitoring commands, while configuration changes require explicit entry into configuration mode.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is a configuration mode command.
Detailed technical explanation
Junos enforces a strict separation between operational mode (for monitoring and troubleshooting) and configuration mode (for making changes). The 'show interfaces terse' command is efficient for quickly verifying interface status without verbose output, while 'ping' with the 'count' option allows precise control over ICMP echo requests. The 'request system software add' command is used for software upgrades and requires the file to be in a valid format (e.g., .tgz or .taz) and typically requires a reboot to complete.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the JNCIA-JUNOS 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Junos OS Fundamentals — This question tests Junos OS Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: show interfaces terse — Option A is correct because 'show interfaces terse' is a valid operational mode command that displays a concise summary of interface status and configuration. Operational mode in Junos is used for monitoring, troubleshooting, and viewing the current state of the device, and 'show' commands are the primary tools for this purpose.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This JNCIA-JUNOS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Juniper Networks 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 JNCIA-JUNOS exam.
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