One ip tool to rule them all
Core Technology
© Valentine Sinitsyn develops high-loaded services and teaches students completely unrelated subjects. He also has a KDE developer account that he's never really used.
Prise the back off Linux and find out what really makes it tick.
When it comes to network configuration, Linux has several utilities collected in net-tools. Users learn to manage addresses with ifconfig, routes with route, and MAC addresses and the local network segment (the neighborhood) with arp. A single tool, ip of the iproute2 tool collection, replaces several of the classic network tools with one utility.
Making Links
The ip tool operates on objects, which could be links, network layer addresses, routes, rules, and a few others. I'll start with Layer 2 objects (i.e., links) and advance to upper layers.
The ip utility should already be in your Linux system. If not, install the iproute2 package. The ip(8) man page provides generic instructions on using the command, whereas ip-link(8) and friends provide the specifics. If you have ever used Git, you understand this split. Basically, you provide ip an object on which to operate; a command, such as add or del; and some options. The command ip <object> help lists the details in each case.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.