LFCS Networking Practice Question
Which THREE files or directories are commonly used to configure network interfaces on a RHEL/CentOS system?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse /etc/resolv.conf as a static configuration file, but on modern systems it is frequently auto-generated by NetworkManager or dhclient, leading to the misconception that it is not a 'commonly used' configuration file for network interfaces.
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
✓
/etc/resolv.conf
/etc/resolv.conf is the primary configuration file for DNS resolver settings on RHEL/CentOS systems. It specifies the nameserver IP addresses, search domains, and resolver options used by the system's glibc resolver library to perform DNS lookups. Without this file, domain name resolution will fail, making it essential for network interface configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/etc/rc.d/rc.local
Why it's wrong here
This is for executing commands at boot, not primary network config.
- ✓
/etc/resolv.conf
Why this is correct
This file configures DNS resolver settings.
- ✓
/etc/sysconfig/network
Why this is correct
This file contains global network settings like hostname and gateway.
- ✓
/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/
Why this is correct
This directory contains interface configuration files (ifcfg-*).
- ✗
/etc/nsswitch.conf
Why it's wrong here
This configures name service switching (hosts, services), not interfaces.
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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.