LPIC-2 DNS, Web and Mail Services Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of dns, web and mail services. 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.
Exhibit
12-Jan-2025 14:32:10.123 client @0x7f2c00000808 192.0.2.50#54321 (example.com): query: example.com IN A + (192.0.2.1)
12-Jan-2025 14:32:10.124 lame server resolving 'example.com' (in 'example.com'?): 192.0.2.1#53
Refer to the exhibit. The DNS server at 192.0.2.1 is the primary for example.com. What does the 'lame server' message indicate?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The server does not consider itself authoritative for example.com.
A 'lame server' message in DNS indicates that a server has received a query for a domain for which it is configured as a nameserver (e.g., via NS records or delegation), but it does not consider itself authoritative for that domain. In this case, the DNS server at 192.0.2.1 is the primary for example.com, so the message means it is not configured with the zone data or does not have the zone loaded, thus it responds as non-authoritative.
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.
✗
The server received a query for an invalid domain.
Why it's wrong here
The query is for example.com, which is a valid domain.
✗
The server is not configured to listen on the querying client's network.
Why it's wrong here
Listen-on configuration affects query reception, not authoritative status.
✓
The server does not consider itself authoritative for example.com.
Why this is correct
The server responded but does not have the zone, hence 'lame'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The server is too busy to answer queries.
Why it's wrong here
Busy servers might drop queries or return SERVFAIL, not 'lame server'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'lame server' with a server being unreachable or overloaded, but it specifically refers to a delegation-authority mismatch where the server does not serve the zone it is expected to.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'lame server' condition is defined in RFC 1034 and RFC 1035; it occurs when a nameserver returns a non-authoritative response (e.g., NXDOMAIN or referral) for a zone it is listed as authoritative for in the parent zone's NS records. This can happen if the zone file is missing, the zone is not loaded, or the server is misconfigured. In BIND, such messages are logged with severity 'lame server' and can be monitored using tools like `rndc` or log analysis.
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.
DNS, Web and Mail Services — This question tests DNS, Web and Mail Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The server does not consider itself authoritative for example.com. — A 'lame server' message in DNS indicates that a server has received a query for a domain for which it is configured as a nameserver (e.g., via NS records or delegation), but it does not consider itself authoritative for that domain. In this case, the DNS server at 192.0.2.1 is the primary for example.com, so the message means it is not configured with the zone data or does not have the zone loaded, thus it responds as non-authoritative.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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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