Linux Networking: A Simplified Guide To IP Addresses And Routing
Linux Journal, Thursday, September 21,2023
Every Linux enthusiast or administrator, at some point, encounters the need to configure or troubleshoot network settings. While the process can appear intimidating, with the right knowledge and tools, mastering Linux networking can be both enlightening and empowering. In this guide, we'll explore the essentials of configuring IP addresses and routing on Linux systems.
Understanding Basic Networking Concepts
What is an IP address?
Every device connected to a network has a unique identifier known as an IP address. This serves as its 'address' in the vast interconnected world of the Internet.
- IPv4 vs. IPv6: While IPv4 is still prevalent, its successor, IPv6, offers a larger address space and improved features. IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.1, whereas IPv6 addresses resemble 1200:0000:AB00:1234:0000:2552:7777:1313.
- Public vs. Private IPs: Public IPs are globally unique and directly reachable over the Internet. Private IPs are reserved for internal network use and are not routable on the public Internet.
Subnet Masks and Gateways ...