LFCS Networking Practice Question
A system administrator is troubleshooting network connectivity from a Linux server to a remote host at 10.0.0.1. The server has a default gateway of 192.168.1.1. Running `ping 10.0.0.1` fails, but `ping 192.168.1.1` succeeds. The output of `ip route show` shows a default route via 192.168.1.1. Which additional step should the administrator take to further investigate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume a failed ping to a remote host must be due to a local ARP issue or firewall on the destination, but the successful ping to the gateway proves local connectivity works, making traceroute the logical next step to trace the path.
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
✓
Run traceroute to 10.0.0.1 to see where packets are dropped.
The ping to the default gateway succeeds, confirming local network and ARP resolution are functional, while the ping to the remote host fails. Running traceroute to 10.0.0.1 will reveal the exact hop where packets are dropped, isolating whether the issue lies in routing beyond the gateway, a firewall along the path, or a missing route on an intermediate router.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Check the ARP table for 10.0.0.1.
Why it's wrong here
ARP is used for local subnet resolution; 10.0.0.1 is not local.
- ✗
Verify that the firewall on the remote host allows ICMP.
Why it's wrong here
This is a possible cause but not the first step; traceroute should be done first.
- ✓
Run traceroute to 10.0.0.1 to see where packets are dropped.
Why this is correct
Traceroute reveals the path and where packets stop, aiding in pinpointing the issue.
- ✗
Check if the remote host is in the same subnet as the server.
Why it's wrong here
The IP addresses show they are on different subnets, so this is obvious.
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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.