Fedora Linux

Configuring Networking

The majority of modern computer system are connected to a network. While server and desktop systems are often configured for one network at installation time and remain plugged into that same network for weeks, months, or years, laptop systems are frequently on the move and may connect to several different networks in one day. Fortunately, Fedora provides a good set of network configuration tools that enable you to easily swing from one network to another like a digital Tarzan.

How Do I Do That?

There are three ways to configure networking on Fedora. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages:

Graphical configuration tool

The best approach for desktop and server systems that will connect to one or two networks and rarely require changes to the network configuration

NetworkManager

Excellent for laptops that will be connecting to a variety of different networks, but only compatible with certain network hardware

Network configuration commands

Good for experimentation, remote administration, and very complex configurations

Configuring networking graphically

Select the menu option System→Administration→Networking to access the GUI network configuration tool shown in Figure 3-6. Alternatively, you can type the command system-config-network into a shell (or use the traditional nickname for this program, neat).

Figure 3-6. Network Configuration window

To add a network ...