This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of networking. 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.
A system administrator is managing a RHEL 8 server that requires a static IP address on interface ens192. The administrator modifies /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-ens192 to set BOOTPROTO=static, IPADDR=192.168.1.100, PREFIX=24, GATEWAY=192.168.1.1, and DNS1=8.8.8.8. After saving, the administrator runs 'systemctl restart NetworkManager'. The interface obtains the correct static IP and network connectivity works. However, after a reboot of the server, the interface fails to come up with the static IP and instead obtains an IP via DHCP from the local network. The administrator verifies that the DHCP server is active and that the physical connection is good. What is the most likely cause of the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The ONBOOT parameter is set to no or missing in the configuration file.
The ONBOOT parameter controls whether the interface is activated at system boot. If set to 'no' or missing entirely, NetworkManager will not bring up the interface automatically after a reboot, causing it to fall back to DHCP if a DHCP client is active. Setting BOOTPROTO=static and IPADDR correctly only takes effect when ONBOOT=yes is present.
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.
✗
The kernel parameter nomodeset is set in /etc/default/grub.
Why it's wrong here
This parameter affects graphics, not networking.
✗
The firewall is blocking the static IP assignment.
The ONBOOT parameter is set to no or missing in the configuration file.
Why this is correct
ONBOOT=yes is required for the interface to start at boot.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The network service is not enabled to start at boot.
Why it's wrong here
NetworkManager is typically enabled and the interface should start if ONBOOT=yes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume setting BOOTPROTO=static and IPADDR is sufficient, overlooking the mandatory ONBOOT=yes parameter required for automatic activation at boot.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In RHEL 8, NetworkManager reads ifcfg files in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ and uses the ONBOOT directive to decide whether to activate the connection at boot. Without ONBOOT=yes, the interface remains down after reboot, and if a DHCP client (e.g., dhclient) is running as a fallback, it may obtain an address via DHCP. This behavior is defined in the NetworkManager.conf and ifcfg file parsing logic, where ONBOOT defaults to 'no' if not explicitly set.
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: The ONBOOT parameter is set to no or missing in the configuration file. — The ONBOOT parameter controls whether the interface is activated at system boot. If set to 'no' or missing entirely, NetworkManager will not bring up the interface automatically after a reboot, causing it to fall back to DHCP if a DHCP client is active. Setting BOOTPROTO=static and IPADDR correctly only takes effect when ONBOOT=yes is present.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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