LFCS Networking Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. # cat /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0 DEVICE=eth0 BOOTPROTO=static ONBOOT=yes IPADDR=192.168.1.10 NETMASK=255.255.255.0 GATEWAY=192.168.1.1
Given the network interface configuration in the exhibit, which command should be run to apply the configuration without rebooting?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse bringing an interface up with applying its configuration, assuming that `ip link set eth0 up` or toggling `ifconfig` will also restore IP settings, when in fact those commands only affect the link state and do not read the persistent configuration file.
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
✓
ifup eth0
The `ifup eth0` command reads the configuration file for the eth0 interface (typically `/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0` on RHEL/CentOS) and applies the settings (IP address, netmask, gateway, etc.) without requiring a system reboot. This is the standard way to activate a network interface with its configured parameters on Linux systems using the legacy network scripts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
systemctl restart network
Why it's wrong here
Restarts all networking, may be disruptive and not needed.
- ✓
ifup eth0
Why this is correct
Brings up the interface with the configuration in ifcfg-eth0.
- ✗
ifconfig eth0 down && ifconfig eth0 up
Why it's wrong here
Does not read config file; would need manual assignment.
- ✗
ip link set eth0 up
Why it's wrong here
Brings interface up but does not assign IP or route.
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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.