LPIC-1 Essential System Services and Networking Practice Question
After a reboot, a server fails to obtain an IP address on its sole ethernet interface. The administrator checks /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml and finds the configuration looks correct. However, the interface shows no IP. The system uses systemd-networkd. Which command should be run next to apply the configuration and bring up the interface?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume 'systemctl restart systemd-networkd' is sufficient, but without running 'netplan apply' first, the backend configuration files are not regenerated from the YAML, so the interface remains unconfigured.
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
✓
netplan apply
The correct command is 'netplan apply' because the system uses netplan to manage network configuration, which generates backend configuration files for systemd-networkd. After editing the YAML file, 'netplan apply' parses the configuration, applies it to the running system, and triggers systemd-networkd to reconfigure the interface without requiring a full restart of the service.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
netplan apply
Why this is correct
netplan apply ensures the YAML config is parsed and applied to systemd-networkd.
- ✗
ifup eth0
Why it's wrong here
ifup is part of the legacy ifupdown system; not compatible with netplan.
- ✗
systemctl restart networking
Why it's wrong here
This service is not used on netplan-based systems.
- ✗
systemctl restart systemd-networkd
Why it's wrong here
Restarting systemd-networkd alone may not re-apply netplan if the config changed.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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