Which linux command can you use to display or change ip configuration settings?
In real-world scenarios, you use these commands to:
- Display current IP addresses assigned to network interfaces (IPv4/IPv6)
- Check link status (UP/DOWN), MTU, and interface details
- View routing rules and the active default gateway
- Temporarily change IP configuration for testing or emergency recovery
- Diagnose connectivity issues (wrong subnet, missing route, interface down, etc.)
- Confirm which interface and route the system uses to reach a destination
Because Linux runs everywhere—from cloud servers and VPS nodes to routers and embedded devices—being able to configure networking via CLI is a core skill. On modern Linux, the primary command to display and change IP configuration is: ip (from the iproute2 suite). It replaces most older utilities, works consistently across distributions, and is the standard toolset used in today’s production environments.
ip (from iproute2)
It replaces most day-to-day uses of the older ifconfig/route tools and works consistently across distributions.
Display IP configuration (read-only)
Show all interfaces + IP addresses
Show a specific interface
Show link state (UP/DOWN), MAC, etc.
Show routing table (default gateway, routes)
Show the route used to reach a destination (very useful)
Change IP configuration (runtime / non-persistent)
Changes made with ip usually last until reboot (or until NetworkManager/systemd-networkd overwrites them). For persistence, use NetworkManager (nmcli) or distro config files.
Bring an interface up/down
sudo ip link set dev eth0 down
Add an IP address (CIDR)
Remove an IP address
Replace IP address (common pattern)
sudo ip addr add 192.168.10.50/24 dev eth0
Add a default gateway
Replace default gateway (cleanly)
Add a static route
Persistent changes (recommended on desktops/servers)
If you use NetworkManager: nmcli
Best for Ubuntu Desktop, many RHEL-based desktops, and lots of cloud images.
Show connections
Set static IPv4 on a connection
If you use systemd-networkd: networkctl
Common on minimal servers.
Persistence is done by editing *.network files under:
/etc/systemd/network/
Legacy commands you’ll still see (but not preferred)
ifconfig (net-tools) — often not installed by default anymore
route — replaced by ip route
Practical takeaway
Display + change (modern standard): ip
Make it persistent (common): nmcli (NetworkManager) or systemd-networkd config
If you tell me your distro (Ubuntu/Debian/RHEL/Alma/etc.) and whether it’s server or desktop, I can give the exact persistent method you should use.