LPIC-2 Advanced Networking Configuration Practice Question
A server reports packet loss on a bonded interface (mode 4). The switch configuration is verified correct. Running ethtool shows all slaves are connected at 1 Gbps full duplex. Which command should be used to check if the LACP negotiation is successful?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse LACP negotiation with general link status or packet capture, assuming `tcpdump` or `ethtool` can show LACP state, when in fact only the bonding pseudo-file provides the detailed per-slave LACP negotiation status.
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
✓
cat /proc/net/bonding/bond0
`/proc/net/bonding/bond0` displays the current bonding status, including LACP negotiation details such as the LACP state (e.g., 'negotiated' or 'expired'), partner system MAC, and port key. This is the standard Linux interface to verify that LACP (802.3ad) has successfully established a link aggregation group with the switch.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
tcpdump -i bond0 ether proto 0x8809
Why it's wrong here
Captures LACP frames but does not show negotiation status; requires interpretation.
- ✗
ethtool -S bond0
Why it's wrong here
Shows per-interface statistics, not LACP state.
- ✗
ip link show bond0
Why it's wrong here
Shows link status and MTU but no LACP details.
- ✓
cat /proc/net/bonding/bond0
Why this is correct
Displays bonding information including LACP state, actor/partner keys, and link status.
- ✗
bridge link show
Why it's wrong here
For bridge, not bonding.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-2 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-2 exam.