This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of network client management. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. # cat /etc/exports /data 192.168.1.0/24(rw,no_root_squash,async)
A client mounts the export with 'mount -t nfs server:/data /mnt/data' and root on the client can write files. Which option in /etc/exports allows root to retain its privileges?
Refer to the exhibit. # cat /etc/exports /data 192.168.1.0/24(rw,no_root_squash,async)
root_squash
Why wrong: This would map root to nobody, preventing write to root-owned files.
no_root_squash
Root squashing is disabled, so root retains UID 0.
rw
Why wrong: Allows read-write, but not root privileges.
async
Why wrong: Affects write performance, not root mapping.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
no_root_squash
Option B (no_root_squash) is correct because it prevents the NFS server from mapping the client's root user (UID 0) to the anonymous 'nobody' user. By default, NFS exports use root_squash, which maps root to an unprivileged user for security. With no_root_squash, the client's root retains UID 0 on the server, allowing write access to files owned by root on the export.
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.
root_squash
Why it's wrong here
This would map root to nobody, preventing write to root-owned files.
no_root_squash
Why this is correct
Root squashing is disabled, so root retains UID 0.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
rw
Why it's wrong here
Allows read-write, but not root privileges.
async
Why it's wrong here
Affects write performance, not root mapping.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'rw' (which enables write access) with the ability to retain root privileges, not realizing that root_squash is a separate, default mechanism that overrides rw for UID 0.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, NFSv3 and NFSv4 use the 'squash' mechanism in the server's export options to remap UIDs. The no_root_squash option is typically used only in trusted environments (e.g., diskless clients or cluster nodes) because it gives client root full control over server files. A subtle behavior: even with no_root_squash, the client's root cannot change the ownership of files to arbitrary UIDs unless the server also has the 'no_all_squash' option and the client has CAP_CHOWN; this is because NFS relies on the server's filesystem permissions and UID/GID mapping.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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FAQ
Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: no_root_squash — Option B (no_root_squash) is correct because it prevents the NFS server from mapping the client's root user (UID 0) to the anonymous 'nobody' user. By default, NFS exports use root_squash, which maps root to an unprivileged user for security. With no_root_squash, the client's root retains UID 0 on the server, allowing write access to files owned by root on the export.
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 25, 2026
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