LPIC-2 DNS, Web and Mail Services Practice Question
Which command can be used to trace the delegation path of a DNS domain?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often mistake `host -C` for a delegation tracing tool, but it only queries SOA records without following the delegation chain. `dig +trace` is the correct command for tracing the delegation path.
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
✓
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 is not a delegation tracing tool; it only queries SOA records from authoritative servers and does not follow the delegation chain. Therefore, only `dig +trace` is correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
dig +trace
Why this is correct
Correct: `dig +trace` performs iterative DNS resolution and displays each delegation step.
- ✗
nslookup -type=any
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: `nslookup -type=any` returns all records from the resolver's cache or forwarder, but does not trace delegation.
- ✗
host -C
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: `host -C` queries SOA records from authoritative servers but does not trace the delegation path.
- ✗
dig -x
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: `dig -x` performs a reverse DNS lookup (PTR record query), not delegation tracing.
- ✗
whois
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: `whois` queries the registration database for domain ownership and contact information, not DNS delegation.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.