- A
system-config-network
Why wrong: Removed in RHEL 8.
- B
/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-* files
Still available, though not managed by NetworkManager by default.
- C
nmcli
NetworkManager command-line tool, fully supported.
- D
ip command
Part of iproute2, actively used.
- E
ifconfig
Why wrong: Deprecated in RHEL 8/9.
Question 266 of 537
EX200 Operate running systems Practice Question
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of operate running systems. 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 three network configuration methods are valid in RHEL 8/9?
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
✓
/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-* files
In RHEL 8/9, the traditional `/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-*` files are still supported for backward compatibility, though NetworkManager is the default service. These files define interface configurations using variables like `DEVICE`, `BOOTPROTO`, and `ONBOOT`, and are read by the `ifup`/`ifdown` scripts or NetworkManager when configured to use them. This method remains valid for static or DHCP-based network setup without requiring a GUI.
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.
- ✗
system-config-network
Why it's wrong here
Removed in RHEL 8.
- ✓
/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-* files
Why this is correct
Still available, though not managed by NetworkManager by default.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
nmcli
Why this is correct
NetworkManager command-line tool, fully supported.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
ip command
Why this is correct
Part of iproute2, actively used.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
ifconfig
Why it's wrong here
Deprecated in RHEL 8/9.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse deprecated tools (like `ifconfig` and `system-config-network`) with valid configuration methods, or assume that any command that can set an IP address qualifies as a persistent network configuration method.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `nmcli` interacts with NetworkManager via D-Bus to create, modify, and apply connection profiles stored in `/etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/`. The `ip` command, part of iproute2, directly manipulates the kernel's network stack (netlink sockets) for real-time changes but does not persist across reboots unless combined with configuration files or scripts. In RHEL 8/9, NetworkManager can optionally read ifcfg files via the `ifcfg-rh` plugin, bridging legacy and modern approaches.
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.
Visual reference
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.
- →
Operate running systems — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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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: /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-* files — In RHEL 8/9, the traditional `/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-*` files are still supported for backward compatibility, though NetworkManager is the default service. These files define interface configurations using variables like `DEVICE`, `BOOTPROTO`, and `ONBOOT`, and are read by the `ifup`/`ifdown` scripts or NetworkManager when configured to use them. This method remains valid for static or DHCP-based network setup without requiring a GUI.
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.
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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