LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question
An LDAP client fails to authenticate users against an LDAP server. The /etc/nsswitch.conf includes 'passwd: files ldap' and the /etc/pam.d/system-auth has appropriate pam_ldap.so entries. However, 'getent passwd' shows only local users. Which command should the administrator run first to diagnose the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to restarting services or checking configuration files, but the LPIC-2 exam emphasizes a systematic troubleshooting approach where connectivity testing (ldapsearch) is the first logical step before assuming configuration or service issues.
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
✓
Run 'ldapsearch -x -H ldap://server -b dc=example,dc=com' to test connectivity.
The first step in diagnosing an LDAP authentication failure is to verify basic connectivity to the LDAP server. Running 'ldapsearch -x -H ldap://server -b dc=example,dc=com' tests whether the client can reach the server and perform a simple anonymous search. If this fails, no amount of configuration tweaking will resolve the issue, as the root cause is likely network or server availability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
View the contents of /etc/nsswitch.conf.
Why it's wrong here
Only confirms order, not actual connectivity.
- ✓
Run 'ldapsearch -x -H ldap://server -b dc=example,dc=com' to test connectivity.
Why this is correct
Directly tests if client can bind to LDAP server.
- ✗
Restart the nslcd service.
Why it's wrong here
Doesn't diagnose why LDAP is not working; just restarts the service.
- ✗
Check the syntax of /etc/ldap.conf with 'slaptest -f /etc/ldap.conf'.
Why it's wrong here
That command is for OpenLDAP server configuration, not client.
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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.