LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
A Linux administrator manages a server that runs a custom application requiring a specific kernel module to be loaded at boot. The server uses SysV init and has the module listed in /etc/modules. However, after a recent kernel update, the module fails to load automatically at boot. The administrator can manually load the module with 'modprobe <module>' after the system is running. The application depends on this module being loaded before any network services start. Which of the following actions should the administrator take to ensure the module loads automatically at the correct time during boot?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the systemd-based /etc/modules-load.d/ mechanism with SysV init's /etc/modules file, assuming both are equivalent, when in fact SysV init requires explicit init scripts to control boot order.
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
✓
Create a SysV init script that loads the module and place it in /etc/init.d/ with appropriate symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to ensure it runs before network services.
SysV init systems use init scripts in /etc/init.d/ with symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to control the order of service startup. By creating a custom init script that loads the module via modprobe and placing it with a symlink that has a lower number (e.g., S01module) than network services (e.g., S10network), the module will be loaded before network services start, satisfying the application's dependency.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create a SysV init script that loads the module and place it in /etc/init.d/ with appropriate symlinks in /etc/rc?.d/ to ensure it runs before network services.
Why this is correct
This ensures the module is loaded early in the boot process, before network services that depend on it.
- ✗
Add the module name to /etc/modules-load.d/ directory.
Why it's wrong here
This is for systemd systems; the server uses SysV init.
- ✗
Add an install directive in /etc/modprobe.d/ for the module.
Why it's wrong here
Install directives are for custom module loading commands, but they do not ensure the module loads automatically at boot.
- ✗
Add a blacklist entry for the module in /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf.
Why it's wrong here
Blacklisting prevents the module from loading, which is the opposite of what is needed.
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