Linux: Display and Manage IP Address Settings

Modern computers and their users rely on network connectivity for nearly everything, including cloud-based applications, software access, data access and communication. It seems that every aspect of computing relies on networking. Linux workstations and servers are no different in this necessity than Windows or macOS systems. One of a Linux sysadmin’s primary responsibilities is ensuring network connectivity. This requires understanding the system’s identity on the network and configuring it to participate in network data exchanges. Linux systems have three identities on a network. Various network devices use each identity differently. Here are the three identities with a summary of their use: Hostname: A human-friendly name providing users and administrators with an easy way to identify a node. IP address: A logical address routers and network configuration tools use to identify the system. MAC address: A physical address on the network interface card (NIC) that uniquely identifies it to switches and other Layer 2 devices. For example, a computer’s three identities might look like this: Hostname: computer27 IP address: 192.168.2.200 MAC address: 00:1c:42:73:8d:f2 The use and function of these three network identities are assumed knowledge for this article. Be sure to review basic network information Continue reading