LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
A server with a udev rule fails to consistently assign a persistent network interface name. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume udev rules always work if the syntax is correct, overlooking that dynamic or non-unique MAC addresses undermine the stability of the matching attribute.
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
✓
The network interface's MAC address is not unique or changes.
Persistent network interface names in Linux rely on udev rules that match attributes like MAC address. If the MAC address is not unique (e.g., due to a virtual machine or cloned NIC) or changes (e.g., after hardware replacement or driver update), the rule will fail to consistently identify the interface, causing the name assignment to be unpredictable.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The rule uses an incorrect operator.
Why it's wrong here
Syntax errors would cause the rule to be ignored, not inconsistent naming.
- ✗
The BIOS device name is configured incorrectly.
Why it's wrong here
BIOS naming is separate from udev rules.
- ✗
The kernel module for the NIC is not loaded.
Why it's wrong here
If the module is not loaded, the interface wouldn't appear at all.
- ✓
The network interface's MAC address is not unique or changes.
Why this is correct
If the MAC address changes, a rule matching by MAC will fail.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-1 exam.