- A
ssh -J user@jump.example.com -L 3306:localhost:3306 db.internal
Why wrong: -J is for jump, but then -L forwards to localhost of final host, which is not intended.
- B
ssh -L 3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com
Forwards local port 3306 to db.internal:3306 via jump host.
- C
ssh -L localhost:3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com
Why wrong: Invalid syntax; -L expects [bind_address:]port:host:hostport.
- D
ssh -R 3306:localhost:3306 user@jump.example.com
Why wrong: -R is remote forwarding, not local.
- E
ssh -L 3306:localhost:3306 user@jump.example.com
Forwards local port 3306 to jump host's localhost:3306, but that is not the database server. Wait, need to forward to database server's IP. Actually, the correct command should forward to the database server's IP, not localhost. But the question says jump host is the SSH server; from jump host, database is accessible. So command should be: ssh -L 3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com. The given option A is wrong because it forwards to localhost of jump host, not the database. Let me correct: The correct answer should be 'ssh -L 3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com'. Among options, perhaps A is the only one with -L. But I need to adjust the options. Let me rewrite.
LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question
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.
A developer frequently needs to access a remote database server that is only accessible via SSH from a jump host. To simplify access, the administrator wants to create a local port forward so that the developer can connect to localhost:3306 and reach the remote database's MySQL port 3306. Which SSH command achieves this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ssh -L 3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com
Option B is correct because the `-L` flag creates a local port forward, mapping a local port (3306) to a remote destination (db.internal:3306) via the SSH connection to the jump host (user@jump.example.com). The syntax `-L 3306:db.internal:3306` tells SSH to listen on localhost:3306 and forward all traffic through the jump host to db.internal:3306, which is reachable from the jump host. This allows the developer to connect to localhost:3306 and reach the remote MySQL database.
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.
- ✗
ssh -J user@jump.example.com -L 3306:localhost:3306 db.internal
Why it's wrong here
-J is for jump, but then -L forwards to localhost of final host, which is not intended.
- ✓
ssh -L 3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com
Why this is correct
Forwards local port 3306 to db.internal:3306 via jump host.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
ssh -L localhost:3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com
Why it's wrong here
Invalid syntax; -L expects [bind_address:]port:host:hostport.
- ✗
ssh -R 3306:localhost:3306 user@jump.example.com
Why it's wrong here
-R is remote forwarding, not local.
- ✓
ssh -L 3306:localhost:3306 user@jump.example.com
Why this is correct
Forwards local port 3306 to jump host's localhost:3306, but that is not the database server. Wait, need to forward to database server's IP. Actually, the correct command should forward to the database server's IP, not localhost. But the question says jump host is the SSH server; from jump host, database is accessible. So command should be: ssh -L 3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com. The given option A is wrong because it forwards to localhost of jump host, not the database. Let me correct: The correct answer should be 'ssh -L 3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com'. Among options, perhaps A is the only one with -L. But I need to adjust the options. Let me rewrite.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing local port forwarding (`-L`) with remote port forwarding (`-R`) or misinterpreting the destination address as being resolved from the client's network instead of the SSH server's network.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Local port forwarding (`-L`) works by SSH creating a listening socket on the client's localhost and, upon connection, tunneling the traffic through the encrypted SSH session to the specified destination as resolved from the SSH server (jump host). The destination `db.internal:3306` is resolved from the jump host's network, not the client's, which is why the jump host must have network access to db.internal. A subtle behavior is that if `GatewayPorts` is enabled on the SSH server, the `-L` flag can bind to non-localhost addresses, but by default it binds only to 127.0.0.1 for security.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LPIC-2 question test?
Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ssh -L 3306:db.internal:3306 user@jump.example.com — Option B is correct because the `-L` flag creates a local port forward, mapping a local port (3306) to a remote destination (db.internal:3306) via the SSH connection to the jump host (user@jump.example.com). The syntax `-L 3306:db.internal:3306` tells SSH to listen on localhost:3306 and forward all traffic through the jump host to db.internal:3306, which is reachable from the jump host. This allows the developer to connect to localhost:3306 and reach the remote MySQL database.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 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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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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