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Network configuration with the ifconfig command in Shell scripts

   November 27, 2023
Shell Scripting @ Freshers.in

The ifconfig command is a vital tool in the realm of shell scripting, providing precise control over network interfaces and configurations. Whether you need to assign IP addresses, enable or disable network interfaces, or retrieve network information, ifconfig offers essential functionality. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to use the ifconfig command effectively within shell scripts. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, real-world examples, and best practices to help you master network configuration using ifconfig.

Why use the ifconfig command?

Before diving into the how, let’s understand why the ifconfig command is indispensable:

  1. Network Interface Control: ifconfig allows you to control network interfaces, enabling or disabling them as needed.
  2. IP Address Assignment: You can assign IP addresses to network interfaces, ensuring proper network connectivity.
  3. Network Information Retrieval: ifconfig provides detailed information about network interfaces, including IP addresses, MAC addresses, and more.
  4. Script Automation: By integrating the ifconfig command into shell scripts, you can automate network configuration tasks, streamlining network management.

Step 1: Basic usage

The basic syntax of the ifconfig command is straightforward:

ifconfig [interface] [options]

Here, [interface] represents the network interface you want to configure, and [options] include various commands and parameters for specific actions.

Step 2: Assigning IP addresses

Let’s start with a practical example. Suppose you want to assign the IP address 192.168.1.2 to the network interface eth0:

ifconfig eth0 192.168.1.2

This command configures eth0 with the specified IP address.

Step 3: Enabling and disabling interfaces

To enable or disable a network interface, use the up and down options:

# Enable eth0
ifconfig eth0 up

# Disable eth0
ifconfig eth0 down

These commands activate (up) or deactivate (down) the specified network interface.

Step 4: Displaying interface information

To view detailed information about a network interface, simply use ifconfig without additional parameters:

ifconfig eth0

This command displays information such as IP address, MAC address, and network statistics for the eth0 interface.

Step 5: Script integration

Integrating the ifconfig command into shell scripts is seamless. For example, you can create a script named configure_network.sh to assign an IP address to eth1:

#!/bin/bash
ifconfig eth1 192.168.1.3

Executing this script automates the IP address assignment for eth1.

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