This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of system architecture. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
After modifying the /etc/fstab file, an administrator runs the command mount -a and receives the error 'mount: /data: special device /dev/sdb1 does not exist'. What is the most likely issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
There is a typo in the device path in /etc/fstab.
The error states the special device (block device) does not exist. This typically means the device path specified in fstab is incorrect or the device itself is absent. After fstab modification, a typo in the device path is the most plausible cause.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
There is a typo in the device path in /etc/fstab.
Why this is correct
A typo would cause the kernel to not find the device at the specified path, resulting in the 'does not exist' error.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The /dev/sdb1 device file is missing or corrupted.
Why it's wrong here
If the device physically exists, udev creates the device file. The error strongly suggests the path is wrong.
✗
The entry in /etc/fstab has an incorrect filesystem type.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect filesystem type would produce an error about wrong fs type, not about the device not existing.
✗
The filesystem on /dev/sdb1 is not formatted.
Why it's wrong here
If the device exists but is unformatted, the error would be about a missing filesystem, not 'special device does not exist'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related LPIC-1 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
System Architecture — This question tests System Architecture — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: There is a typo in the device path in /etc/fstab. — The error states the special device (block device) does not exist. This typically means the device path specified in fstab is incorrect or the device itself is absent. After fstab modification, a typo in the device path is the most plausible cause.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related LPIC-1 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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