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NetworkingmediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

LFCS Networking Practice Question

A network interface eth0 is not receiving an IP address via DHCP. Which command can be used to troubleshoot the DHCP client process?

⚠ Common exam trap

Candidates often confuse the DHCP client process (dhclient) with the DHCP server process (dhcpd), leading candidates to choose options that manage or test the server instead of the client.

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

dhclient -v eth0

The `dhclient -v eth0` command runs the DHCP client in verbose mode on interface eth0, which is the correct tool to troubleshoot the DHCP client process. It shows detailed messages about the DHCPDISCOVER, DHCPOFFER, DHCPREQUEST, and DHCPACK exchange, helping identify where the process fails. This directly addresses the issue of the interface not receiving an IP address via DHCP.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • dhclient -v eth0

    Why this is correct

    Runs the DHCP client with verbose output, useful for troubleshooting.

  • systemctl status dhcpd

    Why it's wrong here

    Shows the status of the DHCP server daemon, not the client.

  • nmcli dev show eth0

    Why it's wrong here

    Shows device details from NetworkManager but does not directly troubleshoot the DHCP client process.

  • dhcpd -t

    Why it's wrong here

    Tests the DHCP server configuration, not the client.

Visual reference

Client DHCP Server 1 Discover (broadcast) 2 Offer (IP: 192.168.1.10) 3 Request (I accept) 4 Acknowledge (lease confirmed) DORA — the four-step DHCP lease process

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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.