- A
The ONBOOT directive is set to no in the ifcfg file.
When ONBOOT=no, the interface is not activated automatically; manual ifup works because the config is valid.
- B
The network service is not enabled to start at boot.
Why wrong: The service was restarted, so enablement is not the issue.
- C
The interface name does not match the device file.
Why wrong: If names mismatched, manual ifup would also fail.
- D
There is a conflict with NetworkManager managing the interface.
Why wrong: If NetworkManager controlled the interface, manual ifup might be overridden, but the symptom is consistent with ONBOOT.
Question 532 of 537
Fix Interface Not Getting IP After Reboot
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of operate running systems. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A junior administrator configured a new network interface (ens224) with a static IP address using a configuration file in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-ens224. After restarting the network service, the interface comes up but does not get the IP address. The administrator runs 'ip addr show ens224' and sees no IP address assigned. The interface is listed as DOWN. The administrator then runs 'ifup ens224' manually, which succeeds, and the IP address appears. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
✓
The ONBOOT directive is set to no in the ifcfg file.
The correct answer is A because the ONBOOT directive controls whether the interface is automatically brought up at system boot. When set to 'no', the interface configuration file is read but the interface remains DOWN after a network service restart, requiring manual intervention via 'ifup'. The junior administrator's observation that 'ifup ens224' succeeds confirms the configuration is valid, but the interface fails to activate automatically due to ONBOOT=no.
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.
- ✓
The ONBOOT directive is set to no in the ifcfg file.
Why this is correct
When ONBOOT=no, the interface is not activated automatically; manual ifup works because the config is valid.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The network service is not enabled to start at boot.
Why it's wrong here
The service was restarted, so enablement is not the issue.
- ✗
The interface name does not match the device file.
Why it's wrong here
If names mismatched, manual ifup would also fail.
- ✗
There is a conflict with NetworkManager managing the interface.
Why it's wrong here
If NetworkManager controlled the interface, manual ifup might be overridden, but the symptom is consistent with ONBOOT.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
In Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the ONBOOT directive in ifcfg files controls whether the interface is brought up automatically at boot. Candidates often mistakenly think that enabling the network service at boot is sufficient, but each interface must have ONBOOT=yes to activate automatically. Without it, the interface remains DOWN until manually started with ifup.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The ONBOOT directive in ifcfg files is evaluated by the network service (or network-scripts) during boot and service restart. When ONBOOT=no, the script skips the interface entirely, leaving it DOWN even if the configuration is otherwise correct. This is a common pitfall because the configuration file is syntactically valid and the interface works manually, leading administrators to overlook the boot-time activation flag. In RHEL 8/9, the default behavior may also be influenced by NetworkManager, but in this scenario the administrator is using legacy network-scripts, where ONBOOT is the sole determinant of automatic activation.
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 EX200 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Operate running systems — This question tests Operate running systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The ONBOOT directive is set to no in the ifcfg file. — The correct answer is A because the ONBOOT directive controls whether the interface is automatically brought up at system boot. When set to 'no', the interface configuration file is read but the interface remains DOWN after a network service restart, requiring manual intervention via 'ifup'. The junior administrator's observation that 'ifup ens224' succeeds confirms the configuration is valid, but the interface fails to activate automatically due to ONBOOT=no.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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