LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question
A system administrator notices that a Linux client is unable to resolve hostnames after connecting to a new network. The client uses DHCP and the /etc/resolv.conf file contains only the loopback address 127.0.0.1. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume 127.0.0.1 in /etc/resolv.conf always indicates a misconfiguration or DHCP failure, when in fact it is a deliberate design of local DNS resolvers like systemd-resolved or dnsmasq that proxy queries to upstream servers.
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
✓
The client is configured to use a local DNS resolver such as systemd-resolved or dnsmasq.
When /etc/resolv.conf contains only 127.0.0.1, it typically indicates that a local DNS resolver (like systemd-resolved or dnsmasq) is running on the client. These resolvers bind to the loopback address and handle DNS queries locally, often forwarding them to upstream servers provided by DHCP. The client can still resolve hostnames if the local resolver is properly configured to use the DHCP-supplied DNS servers, so the presence of 127.0.0.1 alone does not imply a failure.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The DHCP server did not provide DNS server information.
Why it's wrong here
Even if DHCP provides DNS servers, the client's network configuration tool may overwrite /etc/resolv.conf. The presence of only 127.0.0.1 indicates a local resolver, not missing DHCP option.
- ✗
The /etc/resolv.conf file is a symbolic link to /run/NetworkManager/resolv.conf.
Why it's wrong here
A symlink would still reflect the content pointed to; the issue is the content itself pointing to loopback.
- ✓
The client is configured to use a local DNS resolver such as systemd-resolved or dnsmasq.
Why this is correct
This is correct because local resolvers often set 127.0.0.1 as the nameserver and then forward queries. If the local resolver is misconfigured or not running, resolution fails.
- ✗
The /etc/resolv.conf file is not being updated by the DHCP client.
Why it's wrong here
The file exists with content, so it is being updated, but with the wrong content.
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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.