Practical Linux System Administration

Chapter 5. Connecting to a Network

A standalone Linux system is powerful, but the scope of what the system is ultimately capable of is limited. Only a single operator or administrator can use a standalone system simultaneously. While the system can still run multiple workloads, its services are restricted to local access.

Linux is a multitasking, multiuser operating system. One of its most outstanding values is being networked with other computers to allow multiple users to run various workloads simultaneously. Connecting a Linux system to a network enables it to become part of a local network, a grid, a cloud, or the global internet.

In this chapter, you will learn how to select an IP addressing scheme for your network and some advantages and disadvantages of the static and dynamic options. You also learn the security implications of connecting systems to a network. You will learn how to, as much as possible, prevent security breaches by implementing good security practices, such as using secure protocols, turning off unnecessary services and daemons, and keeping systems patched and updated.

Plugging into a Network

There’s no great skill required to plug a server system into an existing network. These days, as soon as a new system comes online, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server provides it with an IP address, subnet mask, gateway, Domain Name System (DNS) servers, and some basic routing information. There are two schools of thought concerning DHCP and servers. ...