Lesson 2 | Tools for network configuration and maintenance |
Objective | Describe the function of netstat, arp, and ifconfig. |
Tools for Network Configuration and Maintenance
Network troubleshooting is one of the most challenging tasks you need to perform. You must fix problems involving your own computer,
as well as how it interacts with computers around the world. Luckily, you have several tools at your disposal to find the information you need:
ping
,
netstat
,
arp
, and
ifconfig
.
ping
The ping
command checks network connections between computers by sending small test packets of information to a remote host.
The "pinged" computer returns a copy of the test message to check for accuracy. For example, a modem connection with a noisy line will cause information loss that will be reported by ping
.
Use the ping
command when you need to check the existence and integrity of a network connection.
netstat
netstat
displays information about every TCP/IP interface on your computer. It can also display your routing table and interface statistics.
When you need detailed information on your computer's interface(s) to the network, use netstat
.
ARP
The Address Resolution Protocol
(ARP)[1] determines which host's network interface is assigned to an IP address, and allows your network's hardware
to properly format data for the destination network device. The
arp
command displays and modifies these associations. You will use it to track down IP-to-Ethernet mapping problems.
ifconfig
ifconfig displays and modifies interface parameters such as
IP address and
netmask.
When you find you need to modify interface parameters, use
ifconfig.
Tool | Function | When used |
ping | Checks network connections between computers | To check the existence and integrity of network connections |
netstat | Displays information about every TCP/IP interface Displays your routing table and interface statistics | To get detailed information on your computer's interface(s) to the network |
arp | Displays and modifies associations between host network interfaces (Ethernet devices) and IP addresses | To track down IP-to-Ethernet mapping problems |
ifconfig | Displays and modifies interface parameters | To modify parameters such as IP address and netmask |
Redhat Utilities Functions
In the next lesson, you will learn how to manage network interfaces with
ifup/ifdown
.
Before moving on to the next lesson, click the Exercise link below to practice matching configuration and connection tools with their functions.
Redhat Utilities Functions
[1] ARP: The Address Resolution Protocol. ARP is the method Ethernet computers use to assign IP addresses to Ethernet card addresses.