The correct answer is that the two valid methods to configure a DNS server on Linux are editing the /etc/resolv.conf file directly and using NetworkManager. Directly editing /etc/resolv.conf works because the system’s resolver library reads this file at runtime to determine which nameservers to query, making it the most fundamental, low-level approach. NetworkManager, on the other hand, provides a higher-level, centralized interface—via tools like nmcli or its GUI—that manages network connections and writes the appropriate nameserver entries into /etc/resolv.conf, ensuring consistency across dynamic network changes. On the LPIC-2 exam, this question tests your understanding of both traditional and modern DNS configuration methods, often appearing as a trap where candidates overlook NetworkManager’s role in managing resolv.conf. A common memory tip is to remember that while you can always “edit the file,” modern systems expect you to “use the manager” to avoid overwrites.
LPIC-2 Advanced Networking Configuration Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of advanced networking configuration. 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.
Which TWO of the following are valid methods to configure a Linux system to use a specific DNS server for name resolution?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use NetworkManager to set DNS servers for a connection.
Option D is correct because NetworkManager provides a centralized way to manage network connections, including DNS settings. When you configure DNS servers via NetworkManager (e.g., using `nmcli` or the GUI), it writes the appropriate `nameserver` lines to `/etc/resolv.conf` (or manages it via its own internal resolver), ensuring the system uses those DNS servers for name resolution. Option E is correct because directly editing `/etc/resolv.conf` and adding a `nameserver` line is the traditional, low-level method to specify DNS servers, which the resolver library reads directly.
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.
✗
Add an entry to /etc/hosts with the DNS server's IP.
Why it's wrong here
/etc/hosts maps hostnames to IPs, not DNS server configuration.
✗
Write the DNS server IP to /etc/resolv.conf using systemd-resolved.
Why it's wrong here
systemd-resolved uses its own configuration file, not /etc/resolv.conf.
✗
Set the 'hosts' line in /etc/nsswitch.conf to include 'dns'.
Why it's wrong here
nsswitch.conf controls lookup order, not server addresses.
✓
Use NetworkManager to set DNS servers for a connection.
Why this is correct
NetworkManager can manage DNS settings dynamically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Edit the /etc/resolv.conf file and add a nameserver line.
Why this is correct
This is the standard method for static DNS configuration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the role of `/etc/hosts` (static hostname-to-IP mapping) with DNS server configuration, or they think editing `/etc/nsswitch.conf` alone sets the DNS server, when it only defines the lookup order.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the GNU C Library's resolver (glibc) reads `/etc/resolv.conf` to find `nameserver` entries, which are typically limited to three (as per RFC 1035). In modern systems, NetworkManager or systemd-resolved may manage this file dynamically, and using `nmcli con mod <connection> ipv4.dns <IP>` sets the DNS servers for that connection, which NetworkManager then writes to the appropriate resolver configuration. A real-world scenario: on a laptop that switches between Wi-Fi and Ethernet, NetworkManager ensures each connection uses its own DNS servers (e.g., corporate DNS on Ethernet, public DNS on Wi-Fi) without manual edits.
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.
Advanced Networking Configuration — This question tests Advanced Networking Configuration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use NetworkManager to set DNS servers for a connection. — Option D is correct because NetworkManager provides a centralized way to manage network connections, including DNS settings. When you configure DNS servers via NetworkManager (e.g., using `nmcli` or the GUI), it writes the appropriate `nameserver` lines to `/etc/resolv.conf` (or manages it via its own internal resolver), ensuring the system uses those DNS servers for name resolution. Option E is correct because directly editing `/etc/resolv.conf` and adding a `nameserver` line is the traditional, low-level method to specify DNS servers, which the resolver library reads directly.
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.
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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