Quick Answer
The answer is `/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/`. NetworkManager stores each connection profile as an individual keyfile with a `.nmconnection` extension in this directory, containing all parameters like SSID, security keys, and IP settings. This location is correct because NetworkManager reads and writes these plain-text files to persist configurations across reboots, making them the authoritative source for per-connection data. On the LPIC-2 exam, this tests your understanding of how NetworkManager manages network state versus traditional interface scripts; a common trap is confusing this directory with `/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/` (used by legacy initscripts) or assuming profiles are stored in a single binary file. Remember the mnemonic: "NetworkManager keeps its connections in a system-connections folder, not a single file."
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of network client management. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 file is used by the NetworkManager daemon to store connection profiles on a Linux system?
/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/
NetworkManager stores connection profiles as individual files in this directory.
/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/
Why wrong: This directory is used by the legacy network scripts (ifup/ifdown).
/etc/netctl/
Why wrong: This directory is used by netctl, a different network configuration tool.
/etc/systemd/network/
Why wrong: This directory is used by systemd-networkd.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/
NetworkManager stores per-connection profiles in the `/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/` directory. Each profile is a keyfile (`.nmconnection` file) containing connection parameters such as SSID, security settings, and IP configuration. When NetworkManager starts or a connection is modified, it reads and writes these files to persist network configurations across reboots.
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.
/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/
Why this is correct
NetworkManager stores connection profiles as individual files in this directory.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/
Why it's wrong here
This directory is used by the legacy network scripts (ifup/ifdown).
/etc/netctl/
Why it's wrong here
This directory is used by netctl, a different network configuration tool.
/etc/systemd/network/
Why it's wrong here
This directory is used by systemd-networkd.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse the NetworkManager connection profile directory with other network configuration directories like the legacy initscripts path (`/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/`) or systemd-networkd's path (`/etc/systemd/network/`), leading them to pick a plausible but incorrect option based on their distribution's default tools.
Detailed technical explanation
NetworkManager's connection profiles use the `.nmconnection` keyfile format, which is an INI-style file with sections like `[connection]`, `[wifi]`, `[ipv4]`, and `[ipv6]`. These files can be manually edited or managed via `nmcli` or `nmtui`. A subtle behavior: if a profile is set to `permissions=` (empty), it is available to all users; otherwise, it is restricted to specific users. In real-world scenarios, administrators often use `nmcli connection reload` to re-read these files after manual edits without restarting the daemon.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/ — NetworkManager stores per-connection profiles in the `/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/` directory. Each profile is a keyfile (`.nmconnection` file) containing connection parameters such as SSID, security settings, and IP configuration. When NetworkManager starts or a connection is modified, it reads and writes these files to persist network configurations across reboots.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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