The answer is eth1 because the packet routing decision based on routing table entries directs traffic for the 10.0.0.0/8 network out through that interface. When a source host at 192.168.1.100 sends a packet to 10.0.0.5, the kernel performs a longest-prefix match lookup in the routing table; since the destination falls within the 10.0.0.0/8 range, the corresponding route points to eth1 as the exit interface. On the LPIC-2 exam, this tests your understanding of how Linux routes packets between different subnets using static routes, a core objective in the Networking configuration domain. A common trap is assuming ARP or a gateway on the source subnet is needed, but the packet never leaves eth0 because the routing table explicitly sends it via eth1. Memory tip: think of the routing table as a map—if the destination subnet has a dedicated road (route), the packet takes that road, not the one for its own neighborhood.
LPIC-2 Advanced Networking Configuration Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking configuration. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
# ip route show
default via 192.168.1.1 dev eth0
10.0.0.0/8 via 192.168.2.1 dev eth1
192.168.1.0/24 dev eth0 proto kernel scope link src 192.168.1.100
192.168.2.0/24 dev eth1 proto kernel scope link src 192.168.2.100
Refer to the exhibit. A packet is sent from 192.168.1.100 to 10.0.0.5. Which interface will the packet exit?
Refer to the exhibit.
# ip route show
default via 192.168.1.1 dev eth0
10.0.0.0/8 via 192.168.2.1 dev eth1
192.168.1.0/24 dev eth0 proto kernel scope link src 192.168.1.100
192.168.2.0/24 dev eth1 proto kernel scope link src 192.168.2.100
A
eth0, then eth1 after ARP
Why wrong: The routing decision is based on destination; the packet goes out eth1 directly.
B
eth0
Why wrong: Default route is eth0 but specific route overrides.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
eth1
The packet is sent from 192.168.1.100 (a private IP in the 192.168.0.0/16 range) to 10.0.0.5 (a private IP in the 10.0.0.0/8 range). Since these are on different subnets, the packet must be routed through a gateway. The routing table on the source host (or router) will have a route for 10.0.0.0/8 pointing to eth1, so the packet exits via eth1. No ARP is needed on eth0 because the packet never leaves eth0 for this destination.
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.
✗
eth0, then eth1 after ARP
Why it's wrong here
The routing decision is based on destination; the packet goes out eth1 directly.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
lo
Why it's wrong here
Loopback is only for local traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume the packet must first exit the source interface (eth0) and then be routed, but in reality the routing decision happens before any packet transmission, and the kernel selects the exit interface based solely on the destination IP and routing table, not on the source interface.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Linux kernel uses the routing table (viewable with `ip route show`) to determine the next hop and exit interface based on the longest prefix match. For a destination of 10.0.0.5, if a route like '10.0.0.0/8 dev eth1' exists, the packet is forwarded directly out eth1 without any ARP on eth0. ARP is only performed on the exit interface (eth1) to resolve the next-hop MAC address, which in this case is likely the gateway or directly connected host.
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 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
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.
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: eth1 — The packet is sent from 192.168.1.100 (a private IP in the 192.168.0.0/16 range) to 10.0.0.5 (a private IP in the 10.0.0.0/8 range). Since these are on different subnets, the packet must be routed through a gateway. The routing table on the source host (or router) will have a route for 10.0.0.0/8 pointing to eth1, so the packet exits via eth1. No ARP is needed on eth0 because the packet never leaves eth0 for this destination.
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.
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Question Discussion
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