The answer is eth1 via gateway 10.0.0.1. This is correct because the Linux kernel’s routing table always selects the most specific matching route for a given destination, following the principle of longest prefix match. While the default gateway would handle traffic for any non-local destination, the static route to 10.0.0.0/8 is more specific than the default route (0.0.0.0/0) and directly covers the host 10.10.10.10, overriding the default gateway on eth0. On the LPIC-1 exam, this concept tests your understanding of routing precedence and how static routes take priority over a default gateway when their prefix length is longer. A common trap is assuming the default gateway always handles off-subnet traffic, but a more specific static route will always win. Memory tip: “Longer mask, higher priority” — the route with the most bits in the network mask always gets the packet.
LPIC-1 Essential System Services and Networking Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of essential system services and networking. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Output of 'ip route show':
default via 192.168.1.1 dev eth0 proto static metric 100
192.168.1.0/24 dev eth0 proto kernel scope link src 192.168.1.10 metric 100
10.0.0.0/8 via 10.0.0.1 dev eth1 proto static metric 200
Refer to the exhibit. The system has two network interfaces: eth0 and eth1. Which interface will be used to reach a host at IP address 10.10.10.10?
Refer to the exhibit.
Output of 'ip route show':
default via 192.168.1.1 dev eth0 proto static metric 100
192.168.1.0/24 dev eth0 proto kernel scope link src 192.168.1.10 metric 100
10.0.0.0/8 via 10.0.0.1 dev eth1 proto static metric 200
A
eth1 via gateway 10.0.0.1.
10.10.10.10 falls within 10.0.0.0/8.
B
eth0 via gateway 192.168.1.1.
Why wrong: No route for 10.x.x.x via that gateway.
C
eth0 via the default gateway.
Why wrong: Default route is used only if no specific match.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
eth1 via gateway 10.0.0.1.
The routing table determines that the destination IP 10.10.10.10 is not within any directly connected subnet (eth0: 192.168.1.0/24, eth1: 10.0.0.0/24). The most specific matching route is the static route to 10.0.0.0/8 via gateway 10.0.0.1 on eth1, which covers the 10.10.10.10 address. Therefore, eth1 is used to reach the host.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
eth1 via gateway 10.0.0.1.
Why this is correct
10.10.10.10 falls within 10.0.0.0/8.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume the default gateway is always used for non-local traffic, forgetting that a more specific static route (like 10.0.0.0/8) takes precedence over the default route.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the Linux kernel performs a longest prefix match (LPM) on the routing table: the 10.0.0.0/8 route has a prefix length of 8 bits, which is more specific than the default route (0.0.0.0/0) and matches the destination 10.10.10.10. The route's next-hop gateway 10.0.0.1 is reachable via eth1 because it lies within eth1's directly connected subnet (10.0.0.0/24). In real-world scenarios, misconfigured static routes or overlapping subnets can cause unexpected routing behavior, which is why `ip route show` and `traceroute` are essential diagnostic tools.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Essential System Services and Networking — This question tests Essential System Services and Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: eth1 via gateway 10.0.0.1. — The routing table determines that the destination IP 10.10.10.10 is not within any directly connected subnet (eth0: 192.168.1.0/24, eth1: 10.0.0.0/24). The most specific matching route is the static route to 10.0.0.0/8 via gateway 10.0.0.1 on eth1, which covers the 10.10.10.10 address. Therefore, eth1 is used to reach the host.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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