Linux ifconfig Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to ifconfig on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including network interface configuration, IP address management, and network setup.

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Table of Contents

1. Understanding ifconfig
2. ifconfig Installation
3. ifconfig Basics
4. Interface Configuration
5. Troubleshooting

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Understanding ifconfig

What is ifconfig?

ifconfig configures network interfaces.

Uses:

• Configure interfaces: Set up network interfaces
• View interfaces: Show interface information
• IP addresses: Set IP addresses
• Network setup: Configure network

Note: Modern alternative is ip command.

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ifconfig Installation

Install ifconfig

Arch/CachyOS:

# Install net-tools
sudo pacman -S net-tools

Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install net-tools

Fedora:

sudo dnf install net-tools

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ifconfig Basics

View Interfaces

Basic usage:

# View all interfaces
ifconfig

# Shows all network interfaces

Specific Interface

Interface info:

# Specific interface
ifconfig eth0

# Shows interface information

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Interface Configuration

Set IP Address

Configure IP:

# Set IP address
sudo ifconfig eth0 192.168.1.100

# Sets IP address

Set Netmask

Configure netmask:

# Set IP and netmask
sudo ifconfig eth0 192.168.1.100 netmask 255.255.255.0

# Sets IP and subnet mask

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Troubleshooting

ifconfig Not Found

Check installation:

# Check ifconfig
which ifconfig

# Install if missing
sudo pacman -S net-tools

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Summary

This guide covered ifconfig usage, interface configuration, and network setup for Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions.

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Next Steps

• ip Guide - Modern network tool
• Networking - Network setup
• nmcli Guide - NetworkManager CLI
• ifconfig Documentation: man ifconfig

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This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. For distribution-specific details, refer to your distribution's documentation.