Quick Answer
The answer is `ip route show` because this command displays the kernel routing table, which includes the default gateway as a default route, typically shown as `default via <gateway-IP>`. The default gateway is the router that handles traffic for destinations not listed in the routing table, and `ip route show` is the modern, standard tool for viewing this information on Linux systems, replacing the older `route -n` command. On the LPIC-1 exam, this tests your understanding of network configuration and troubleshooting, often appearing in questions that ask you to identify the gateway without using deprecated commands. A common trap is choosing `netstat -rn`, which still works but is considered legacy; the exam emphasizes the `ip` suite as the current standard. Memory tip: think of the `ip` command as the “Internet Protocol” Swiss army knife—just remember “ip route” for the road to your gateway.
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of essential system services and networking. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which of the following commands will display the default gateway of a Linux system?
arp -a
Why wrong: Shows the ARP cache, not routing.
netstat -i
Why wrong: Shows interface statistics.
ip route show
Displays routing table including default gateway.
ifconfig
Why wrong: ifconfig shows interface configuration, not routing.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ip route show
The `ip route show` command displays the kernel routing table, which includes the default gateway as a default route (typically `default via <gateway-IP>`). This is the standard modern tool for viewing routing information on Linux systems.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
arp -a
Why it's wrong here
Shows the ARP cache, not routing.
netstat -i
Why it's wrong here
Shows interface statistics.
ip route show
Why this is correct
Displays routing table including default gateway.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ifconfig
Why it's wrong here
ifconfig shows interface configuration, not routing.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `netstat -r` (which does show the routing table) with `netstat -i` (which only shows interface statistics), leading them to incorrectly select option B.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows the ARP cache, not routing.
Detailed technical explanation
The default gateway is stored in the kernel's routing table as a route with destination `0.0.0.0/0` (IPv4) or `::/0` (IPv6), indicating all non-local traffic should be forwarded to that gateway. The `ip route show` command reads this table from the kernel via netlink sockets, while older tools like `route -n` read from `/proc/net/route`. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured default gateways can cause complete network isolation, making `ip route show` a critical diagnostic tool.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Essential System Services and Networking — This question tests Essential System Services and Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: ip route show — The `ip route show` command displays the kernel routing table, which includes the default gateway as a default route (typically `default via <gateway-IP>`). This is the standard modern tool for viewing routing information on Linux systems.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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