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Enabling Kernel Modules and Modifying Parameters

In this hands-on lab, you will view the current command-line kernel parameters using `/proc/cmdline` or `dmesg`. With the current configuration noted, next check for a couple of runtime kernel parameters using `sysctl`, followed by using `lsmod` to check the status of specific kernel modules. Based on the status of each, you will used `modprobe` to enable/disable kernel modules and make kernel parameter changes by using `sysctl` and creating configuration files in the appropriate directory locations. The final task will be to reboot the system and confirm the changes. *This course is not approved or sponsored by Red Hat.*

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Lab Info
Level
Advanced
Last updated
Sep 17, 2025
Duration
30m

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Table of Contents
  1. Challenge

    Review the Current Kernel Command Line Parameters
    • Review the appropriate file or execute the proper command to view the current kernel command line parameters.
    • Confirm the crashkernel option is set to auto.
  2. Challenge

    Confirm the Status of Specific Kernel Runtime Parameters
    • Determine if the kernel runtime parameters net.ipv4.ip_forward and net.ipv6.conf.default.forwarding are enabled.
    • If either parameter is disabled, immediately enable it using the appropriate command.
    • If either parameter is disabled, use vim to create a configuration file called /etc/sysctl.d/10-network.conf.
    • Add any disabled kernel parameters from the previous step to the 10-network.conf file and save the changes.
  3. Challenge

    Determine the Status of Specific Kernel Modules
    • Using the appropriate command, determine the status of the bluetooth, bridge, and cdrom kernel modules. The status should be set as the following:
      • bluetooth = inactive
      • bridge = active
      • cdrom = active
    • If any of the of the modules are incorrectly configured, make the following changes
      • If bluetooth is enabled, use the appropriate process to ensure the module will not start after a reboot and cannot be manually started.
      • If bridge is disabled, use the appropriate process to enable the command and ensure it will start after a reboot.
      • If cdrom is disabled, use the appropriate process to enable the command and ensure it will start after a reboot.
  4. Challenge

    Validate System Changes
    • Reboot the server to ensure changes are applied.
    • Log back in after the reboot has completed.
    • Confirm the following configuration changes:
      • Kernel runtime parameters
        • Confirm net.ipv4.ip_forward is enabled.
        • Confirm net.ipv6.conf.default.forwarding is enabled.
      • Kernel modules
        • Confirm bluetooth is not active. Check the exclusion list and attempt to manually enable the module.
        • Confirm bridge is active.
        • Confirm cdrom is active
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