Question 237 of 511

Network Client Management →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer is that the client is configured to use a local DNS resolver such as systemd-resolved or dnsmasq. When /etc/resolv.conf contains only 127.0.0.1, it means the system is pointing DNS queries to a stub resolver running locally on the loopback interface, which then forwards requests to upstream servers supplied by DHCP. If hostname resolution fails, the issue is not the loopback address itself but rather that the local resolver is misconfigured or not running, preventing it from relaying queries to the DHCP-provided DNS servers. On the LPIC-2 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how modern Linux systems manage DNS—specifically, that systemd-resolved or dnsmasq often manage /etc/resolv.conf as a symlink, and seeing only 127.0.0.1 is normal, not a sign of failure. A common trap is assuming the loopback entry is an error, when in fact the resolver must be checked separately. Memory tip: “127.0.0.1 is a relay, not a final destination.”

LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question

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.

A system administrator notices that a Linux client is unable to resolve hostnames after connecting to a new network. The client uses DHCP and the /etc/resolv.conf file contains only the loopback address 127.0.0.1. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

Question 1mediummultiple choice

Read the full DHCP explanation →

A
The DHCP server did not provide DNS server information.
Why wrong: Even if DHCP provides DNS servers, the client's network configuration tool may overwrite /etc/resolv.conf. The presence of only 127.0.0.1 indicates a local resolver, not missing DHCP option.
B
The /etc/resolv.conf file is a symbolic link to /run/NetworkManager/resolv.conf.
Why wrong: A symlink would still reflect the content pointed to; the issue is the content itself pointing to loopback.
C
The client is configured to use a local DNS resolver such as systemd-resolved or dnsmasq.
This is correct because local resolvers often set 127.0.0.1 as the nameserver and then forward queries. If the local resolver is misconfigured or not running, resolution fails.
D
The /etc/resolv.conf file is not being updated by the DHCP client.
Why wrong: The file exists with content, so it is being updated, but with the wrong content.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

The client is configured to use a local DNS resolver such as systemd-resolved or dnsmasq.

Option C is correct because when /etc/resolv.conf contains only 127.0.0.1, it typically indicates that a local DNS resolver (like systemd-resolved or dnsmasq) is running on the client. These resolvers bind to the loopback address and handle DNS queries locally, often forwarding them to upstream servers provided by DHCP. The client can still resolve hostnames if the local resolver is properly configured to use the DHCP-supplied DNS servers, so the presence of 127.0.0.1 alone does not imply a failure.

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 DHCP server did not provide DNS server information.
Why it's wrong here
Even if DHCP provides DNS servers, the client's network configuration tool may overwrite /etc/resolv.conf. The presence of only 127.0.0.1 indicates a local resolver, not missing DHCP option.
✗
The /etc/resolv.conf file is a symbolic link to /run/NetworkManager/resolv.conf.
Why it's wrong here
A symlink would still reflect the content pointed to; the issue is the content itself pointing to loopback.
✓
The client is configured to use a local DNS resolver such as systemd-resolved or dnsmasq.
Why this is correct
This is correct because local resolvers often set 127.0.0.1 as the nameserver and then forward queries. If the local resolver is misconfigured or not running, resolution fails.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The /etc/resolv.conf file is not being updated by the DHCP client.
Why it's wrong here
The file exists with content, so it is being updated, but with the wrong content.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates assume 127.0.0.1 in /etc/resolv.conf always indicates a misconfiguration or DHCP failure, when in fact it is a deliberate design of local DNS resolvers like systemd-resolved or dnsmasq that proxy queries to upstream servers.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

systemd-resolved, when enabled, manages /etc/resolv.conf as a symlink to /run/systemd/resolve/stub-resolv.conf, which points to 127.0.0.53 (or 127.0.0.1 in some configurations). This stub resolver listens on the loopback address and forwards queries to the actual DNS servers obtained from DHCP or static configuration. In real-world scenarios, administrators may mistakenly disable the local resolver or misconfigure it, leading to resolution failures even though DHCP provided valid DNS servers.

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this LPIC-2 question test?

Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The client is configured to use a local DNS resolver such as systemd-resolved or dnsmasq. — Option C is correct because when /etc/resolv.conf contains only 127.0.0.1, it typically indicates that a local DNS resolver (like systemd-resolved or dnsmasq) is running on the client. These resolvers bind to the loopback address and handle DNS queries locally, often forwarding them to upstream servers provided by DHCP. The client can still resolve hostnames if the local resolver is properly configured to use the DHCP-supplied DNS servers, so the presence of 127.0.0.1 alone does not imply a failure.

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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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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.