This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of dns, web and mail services. 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 commands can be used to trace the delegation path of a DNS domain? (Choose two.)
dig +trace
dig +trace follows the delegation chain from root servers.
nslookup -type=any
Why wrong: nslookup -type=any queries all records but does not trace delegation.
host -C
host -C shows SOA records, which indicate authoritative servers for a zone.
dig -x
Why wrong: dig -x performs reverse DNS lookups.
whois
Why wrong: whois queries domain registration information, not DNS delegation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
dig +trace
The `dig +trace` command performs a full iterative DNS resolution from the root nameservers down to the authoritative nameservers for the queried domain, showing each delegation step. The `host -C` command queries the SOA record and displays the authoritative nameservers for the domain, which can be used to trace the delegation chain. Both commands reveal the hierarchical delegation path of a DNS domain.
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.
dig +trace
Why this is correct
dig +trace follows the delegation chain from root servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
nslookup -type=any
Why it's wrong here
nslookup -type=any queries all records but does not trace delegation.
host -C
Why this is correct
host -C shows SOA records, which indicate authoritative servers for a zone.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
dig -x
Why it's wrong here
dig -x performs reverse DNS lookups.
whois
Why it's wrong here
whois queries domain registration information, not DNS delegation.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `nslookup -type=any` with a delegation tracing tool, but it only returns all records from the resolver's cache without following the delegation chain, and `dig -x` is mistakenly thought to trace something because of the 'trace' keyword in the option.
Detailed technical explanation
DNS delegation is implemented via NS records at each zone cut, and `dig +trace` works by starting at a root server (using the root hints), then following referrals (NS records and glue A/AAAA records) down the hierarchy. The `host -C` command specifically queries the SOA record and then performs additional queries to verify the authoritative nameservers, which can reveal misconfigurations like lame delegations. In real-world scenarios, these tools are essential for troubleshooting delegation failures, such as when a domain's NS records point to nonexistent or unresponsive servers.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
DNS, Web and Mail Services — This question tests DNS, Web and Mail Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: dig +trace — The `dig +trace` command performs a full iterative DNS resolution from the root nameservers down to the authoritative nameservers for the queried domain, showing each delegation step. The `host -C` command queries the SOA record and displays the authoritative nameservers for the domain, which can be used to trace the delegation chain. Both commands reveal the hierarchical delegation path of a DNS domain.
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 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.
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