Quick Answer
The answer is that systemd-networkd supports DHCP for dynamic IP assignment, static IP configuration, and bridge creation, making all three valid. This is correct because systemd-networkd uses .network files, such as /etc/systemd/network/10-static.network, where static IPs are defined in the [Address] section with precise control over IPv4/IPv6 addresses, subnet masks, and gateways, while DHCP can be enabled or disabled per interface via the [Network] section. On the Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 LPIC-1 exam, this topic tests your understanding of modern network management on systemd-based distributions, often appearing in questions that contrast systemd-networkd with legacy tools like ifupdown or NetworkManager. A common trap is assuming static IP and DHCP are mutually exclusive, but systemd-networkd allows both on different interfaces or even the same interface with fallback logic. Memory tip: think of .network files as the "Swiss Army knife" for network config—they handle static, DHCP, and bridges all in one place.
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of essential system services and networking. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 THREE of the following are true regarding the use of systemd-networkd for network configuration? (Choose three.)
It can assign static IP addresses using .network files.
Static IP via .network files.
It can be used to configure network bridges.
Bridges are supported.
It supports DHCP for dynamic IP assignment.
DHCP is supported.
Configuration files are stored in /etc/network/.
Why wrong: They are in /etc/systemd/network/.
It supports bonding of multiple interfaces.
Why wrong: Bonding requires kernel module and other tools.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It can assign static IP addresses using .network files.
Option A is correct because systemd-networkd uses .network files (e.g., /etc/systemd/network/10-static.network) to assign static IP addresses via the [Address] section. This allows precise control over IPv4/IPv6 addresses, subnet masks, and gateways without relying on DHCP.
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.
It can assign static IP addresses using .network files.
Why this is correct
Static IP via .network files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It can be used to configure network bridges.
Why this is correct
Bridges are supported.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It supports DHCP for dynamic IP assignment.
Why this is correct
DHCP is supported.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Configuration files are stored in /etc/network/.
Why it's wrong here
They are in /etc/systemd/network/.
It supports bonding of multiple interfaces.
Why it's wrong here
Bonding requires kernel module and other tools.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse the configuration directory /etc/systemd/network/ with the legacy /etc/network/ used by ifupdown, or assume systemd-networkd supports bonding natively when it actually requires additional kernel modules or external tools.
Detailed technical explanation
systemd-networkd processes .network files in lexicographic order, applying the first matching [Match] section. It supports DHCP (option C) via the [DHCPv4] or [DHCPv6] sections, and can create bridges (option B) using .netdev files with [NetDev] and [Bridge] sections. A real-world scenario is using systemd-networkd to configure a static IP for a server while also bridging interfaces for a virtual machine network, all without NetworkManager.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
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Essential System Services and Networking — study guide chapter
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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: It can assign static IP addresses using .network files. — Option A is correct because systemd-networkd uses .network files (e.g., /etc/systemd/network/10-static.network) to assign static IP addresses via the [Address] section. This allows precise control over IPv4/IPv6 addresses, subnet masks, and gateways without relying on DHCP.
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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