LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
A server with multiple network cards needs a specific kernel module loaded before network configuration. Where should loading be configured for early boot?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse /etc/modprobe.d/ (for module parameters and aliases) with /etc/modules-load.d/ (for specifying modules to load at boot), leading them to choose the wrong directory for early module loading.
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
✓
/etc/modules-load.d/
Systemd-based systems use /etc/modules-load.d/ to specify kernel modules that must be loaded early in the boot process, before network configuration. Files in this directory are processed by systemd-modules-load.service, which runs before network services, ensuring the module is available when interfaces are brought up.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/boot/grub/grub.cfg
Why it's wrong here
GRUB configuration is for boot parameters, not module loading.
- ✗
/etc/modprobe.d/
Why it's wrong here
This directory is for module options, not automatic loading.
- ✗
/etc/sysconfig/modules/
Why it's wrong here
This is used by some older distributions but not the standard.
- ✓
/etc/modules-load.d/
Why this is correct
Files in /etc/modules-load.d/ list modules to be loaded at boot by systemd.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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