This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of network client management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 authentication modules can be used with PAM to integrate LDAP authentication on a Linux client?
pam_unix
Why wrong: pam_unix is for local /etc/shadow authentication.
pam_krb5
pam_krb5 can be used for Kerberos authentication, often with LDAP.
pam_radius
Why wrong: pam_radius is for RADIUS authentication.
pam_tally2
Why wrong: pam_tally2 is for account locking, not authentication.
pam_ldap
pam_ldap provides direct LDAP authentication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
pam_krb5
Option B (pam_krb5) is correct because it allows PAM to authenticate users against a Kerberos KDC, which is commonly used alongside LDAP for single sign-on in enterprise environments. Option E (pam_ldap) is correct because it directly enables PAM to bind to an LDAP directory server for user authentication, typically using the LDAP BIND operation. Both modules are standard choices for integrating LDAP authentication on a Linux client.
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.
pam_unix
Why it's wrong here
pam_unix is for local /etc/shadow authentication.
pam_krb5
Why this is correct
pam_krb5 can be used for Kerberos authentication, often with LDAP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
pam_radius
Why it's wrong here
pam_radius is for RADIUS authentication.
pam_tally2
Why it's wrong here
pam_tally2 is for account locking, not authentication.
pam_ldap
Why this is correct
pam_ldap provides direct LDAP authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse pam_ldap with pam_unix or think pam_radius can be used for LDAP, but the exam expects knowledge of the specific PAM modules designed for directory services and Kerberos integration.
Detailed technical explanation
pam_ldap uses the LDAP protocol (RFC 4511) to perform a simple BIND or SASL authentication against the directory, typically over port 389 or 636 (LDAPS). In practice, pam_krb5 is often paired with pam_ldap to provide Kerberized authentication while LDAP handles authorization and attribute retrieval, a pattern common in Active Directory or FreeIPA deployments. The nss-pam-ldapd daemon (nslcd) is frequently used to cache LDAP connections and avoid performance bottlenecks.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Client Management — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Network Client Management 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
Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: pam_krb5 — Option B (pam_krb5) is correct because it allows PAM to authenticate users against a Kerberos KDC, which is commonly used alongside LDAP for single sign-on in enterprise environments. Option E (pam_ldap) is correct because it directly enables PAM to bind to an LDAP directory server for user authentication, typically using the LDAP BIND operation. Both modules are standard choices for integrating LDAP authentication on a Linux client.
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 25, 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.