02.01.2026

Dedicated Servers

Linux

Which linux command can you use to display or change ip configuration settings?

On modern Linux systems, network configuration is managed through a set of command-line tools that let you inspect, troubleshoot, and modify IP settings without relying on a graphical interface. These commands are essential for administrators and power users because they provide fast, precise control over how a machine connects to a network—whether you’re assigning a static IP on a server, checking why a service is unreachable, verifying the default gateway, or bringing an interface up after a reboot.

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

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