Quick Answer
The answer is `ip route show` and `route -n`. Both commands display the kernel IP routing table, but they do so through different mechanisms: `route -n` reads the `/proc/net/route` file and presents output with numeric addresses to avoid DNS lookups, making it the traditional tool, while `ip route show` is part of the modern `iproute2` suite and provides richer, more structured output directly from the kernel’s routing tables. On the LPIC-2 exam, this question tests your understanding of both legacy and contemporary network configuration tools, often appearing as a multiple-choice trap where candidates mistakenly think only one command is valid. A common pitfall is forgetting that `route` without `-n` performs slow DNS resolutions, which can mask the actual numeric output. Memory tip: think of `route -n` as the “old reliable” that shows numbers only, and `ip route` as the “new standard” for detailed routing information.
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking configuration. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
Which TWO commands can be used to display the routing table on a Linux system?
route -n
Displays routing table numerically.
ss -r
Why wrong: ss does not have -r option.
ip link show
Why wrong: Shows link layer info, not routing table.
ip route show
Displays routing table via iproute2.
netstat -r
Why wrong: Also displays routing table, but not listed as an option; actually it is not in the list.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
route -n
The `route -n` command displays the kernel IP routing table with numeric addresses, avoiding DNS lookups for faster output. It is a traditional tool that directly reads the /proc/net/route file to show destination, gateway, netmask, and interface information. This makes it a valid and commonly used command for viewing the routing table on Linux.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
route -n
Why this is correct
Displays routing table numerically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ss -r
Why it's wrong here
ss does not have -r option.
ip link show
Why it's wrong here
Shows link layer info, not routing table.
ip route show
Why this is correct
Displays routing table via iproute2.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
netstat -r
Why it's wrong here
Also displays routing table, but not listed as an option; actually it is not in the list.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `ss -r` with a routing command, but `ss` is for socket statistics and `-r` resolves hostnames, not routes; similarly, `ip link show` is mistaken for a routing command when it only shows link-layer interfaces.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows link layer info, not routing table.
Detailed technical explanation
The routing table is stored in the kernel's FIB (Forwarding Information Base), which can be accessed via netlink sockets or the /proc filesystem. The `ip route show` command uses the netlink interface (RTNETLINK) to query the FIB, supporting advanced features like multiple routing tables (policy routing) and route attributes (e.g., metric, scope). In contrast, `route -n` reads /proc/net/route, which only shows the main routing table and lacks support for modern features like VRF or multipath routes.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Advanced Networking Configuration — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Advanced Networking Configuration practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-2 questions
511 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 2 LPIC-2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-2 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Linux Kernel and System Startup.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Advanced Networking Configuration.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to DNS, Web and Mail Services.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to File Sharing and Samba.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to System Security.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Network Client Management.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 scenario.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Advanced Networking Configuration — This question tests Advanced Networking Configuration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: route -n — The `route -n` command displays the kernel IP routing table with numeric addresses, avoiding DNS lookups for faster output. It is a traditional tool that directly reads the /proc/net/route file to show destination, gateway, netmask, and interface information. This makes it a valid and commonly used command for viewing the routing table on Linux.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.