- A
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -d 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
Why wrong: The -d flag specifies destination, not source; it would allow traffic destined to that network, not from it.
- B
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 22 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
Why wrong: SSH uses TCP, not UDP.
- C
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp --dport 22 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
Why wrong: This applies to the FORWARD chain, which is for forwarded packets, not packets destined to the local host.
- D
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
This rule correctly matches incoming SSH traffic from the specified source net.
LPIC-2 Advanced Networking Configuration Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking configuration. 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 system administrator wants to allow incoming SSH connections from only the 192.168.1.0/24 network on a Linux server. Which iptables rule accomplishes 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
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
Option D is correct because it appends a rule to the INPUT chain that matches TCP traffic destined for port 22 (SSH) from source IP range 192.168.1.0/24 and accepts it. This restricts incoming SSH connections to only the specified network, which is the intended behavior.
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.
- ✗
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -d 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
Why it's wrong here
The -d flag specifies destination, not source; it would allow traffic destined to that network, not from it.
- ✗
iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport 22 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
- ✗
iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp --dport 22 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
Why it's wrong here
This applies to the FORWARD chain, which is for forwarded packets, not packets destined to the local host.
- ✓
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT
Why this is correct
This rule correctly matches incoming SSH traffic from the specified source net.
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 the INPUT and FORWARD chains, or swapping the source (-s) and destination (-d) flags, leading candidates to choose a rule that either filters the wrong direction or applies to the wrong packet flow.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The INPUT chain filters packets destined for the local system, while the FORWARD chain filters packets being routed through the system. SSH (port 22) uses TCP as its transport protocol, as defined in RFC 4251. The -s flag specifies the source IP address range, ensuring only packets from 192.168.1.0/24 are accepted; using -d would incorrectly filter by destination address, which is typically the server's own IP.
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 practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Advanced Networking Configuration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LPIC-2 question test?
Advanced Networking Configuration — This question tests Advanced Networking Configuration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -s 192.168.1.0/24 -j ACCEPT — Option D is correct because it appends a rule to the INPUT chain that matches TCP traffic destined for port 22 (SSH) from source IP range 192.168.1.0/24 and accepts it. This restricts incoming SSH connections to only the specified network, which is the intended behavior.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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