This LFCS practice question tests your understanding of networking. 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.
DEVICE=eth0 BOOTPROTO=dhcp ONBOOT=yes HWADDR=52:54:00:12:34:56
Refer to the exhibit. The /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0 file contains the above content. After reboot, eth0 still does not obtain an IP via DHCP. What is the most likely missing configuration?
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.
DEVICE=eth0 BOOTPROTO=dhcp ONBOOT=yes HWADDR=52:54:00:12:34:56
The MTU is not specified
Why wrong: MTU not specified defaults to 1500, which is fine.
DNS1 is not set
Why wrong: DNS can be provided by DHCP; not required.
TYPE=Ethernet is missing
Without TYPE=Ethernet, the network service may not process the file correctly.
The gateway is not defined
Why wrong: DHCP provides the gateway; not required in the file.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
TYPE=Ethernet is missing
Option C is correct because the `ifcfg-eth0` file is missing the `TYPE=Ethernet` directive. In RHEL/CentOS 7 and later, NetworkManager requires the `TYPE` parameter to correctly identify and manage the interface type. Without it, NetworkManager may ignore the file or fail to apply DHCP settings, even if `BOOTPROTO=dhcp` is present.
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.
The MTU is not specified
Why it's wrong here
MTU not specified defaults to 1500, which is fine.
DNS1 is not set
TYPE=Ethernet is missing
Why this is correct
Without TYPE=Ethernet, the network service may not process the file correctly.
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 gateway is not defined
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often focus on DHCP-specific parameters like DNS or gateway, overlooking that NetworkManager requires the `TYPE` directive to recognize the interface as an Ethernet device, without which the DHCP configuration is never applied.
Detailed technical explanation
The `ifcfg-eth0` file is parsed by NetworkManager and the legacy `network` service. The `TYPE` parameter (e.g., `TYPE=Ethernet`) tells NetworkManager which device type to associate with the configuration; without it, the interface may be treated as unmanaged or misidentified. In RHEL 8/9, NetworkManager also uses the `connection.type` property in keyfile format, but in ifcfg format, `TYPE` is mandatory for proper interface activation.
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 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
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FAQ
Networking — This question tests Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: TYPE=Ethernet is missing — Option C is correct because the `ifcfg-eth0` file is missing the `TYPE=Ethernet` directive. In RHEL/CentOS 7 and later, NetworkManager requires the `TYPE` parameter to correctly identify and manage the interface type. Without it, NetworkManager may ignore the file or fail to apply DHCP settings, even if `BOOTPROTO=dhcp` is present.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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