Quick Answer
The correct answer is `nmcli` and `ip`, as these are the two primary tools used to configure network interfaces on Linux. `nmcli` serves as the command-line interface for NetworkManager, the default network management service on modern distributions, allowing you to create, modify, and toggle connections. The `ip` command, from the iproute2 suite, provides direct, low-level control over interfaces, addresses, and routing without relying on a service. On the LPIC-2 exam, this topic tests your ability to manage networking at both the service and kernel levels, often appearing in questions that contrast high-level tools like `nmcli` with low-level ones like `ifconfig` or `ip`. A common trap is assuming `ifconfig` is still the standard, but it is deprecated in favor of `ip`. For a memory tip, think of `nmcli` as the "manager" for persistent connections and `ip` as the "immediate" tool for live changes.
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.
Which TWO tools can be used to configure network interfaces on a Linux system?
nmcli
nmcli is the command-line tool for NetworkManager, widely used for network configuration.
route
Why wrong: route is deprecated; use ip route instead.
ip
ip is the modern tool for network interface configuration.
ifconfig
Why wrong: ifconfig is deprecated and not recommended for new configurations.
netstat
Why wrong: netstat is for network statistics, not configuration.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
nmcli
A is correct because `nmcli` is the command-line tool for controlling NetworkManager, which is the standard service for managing network interfaces on modern Linux distributions. It allows you to create, modify, and activate or deactivate network connections, making it a primary tool for interface configuration.
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.
nmcli
Why this is correct
nmcli is the command-line tool for NetworkManager, widely used for network configuration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
route
Why it's wrong here
route is deprecated; use ip route instead.
ip
Why this is correct
ip is the modern tool for network interface configuration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ifconfig
Why it's wrong here
ifconfig is deprecated and not recommended for new configurations.
netstat
Why it's wrong here
netstat is for network statistics, not configuration.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `ifconfig` as a valid configuration tool because of its historical use, but the LPIC-2 exam expects knowledge that it is deprecated and that `ip` and `nmcli` are the correct modern tools.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `nmcli` communicates with NetworkManager via D-Bus, allowing dynamic interface configuration that persists across reboots. The `ip` command from the iproute2 suite directly interacts with the kernel's netlink socket to configure interfaces, routes, and addresses, and is the modern replacement for both `ifconfig` and `route`. In real-world scenarios, using `nmcli` is essential for systems relying on NetworkManager (e.g., desktop environments), while `ip` is preferred for scripting and server environments where NetworkManager is not used.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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Network Client Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Network Client Management — This question tests Network Client Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: nmcli — A is correct because `nmcli` is the command-line tool for controlling NetworkManager, which is the standard service for managing network interfaces on modern Linux distributions. It allows you to create, modify, and activate or deactivate network connections, making it a primary tool for interface configuration.
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 11, 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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