COMPUTER SYSTEMS

SERVICING NC II
ELECTRONICS SECTOR
Unit of Competency : SET-UP COMPUTER NETWORKS

Module Title : SETTING-UP COMPUTER NETWORKS

TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

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 HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED
LEARNING MATERIAL
Welcome to the Module “Setting-up Computer Networks”. This module contains training materials
and activities for you to complete.

The unit of competency “Set-up Computer Networks” contains knowledge, skills and attitudes
required for a Computer Systems Servicing NC II qualification.

You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to complete each of the
learning outcomes of the module. In each learning outcome there are Information Sheets,
Operation Sheets, and Activity Sheets. Follow these activities on your own and answer the Self-
Check at the end of each learning activity.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for assistance.

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You may already have some of the knowledge and skills covered in this module because you have:
o been working for some time

o already have completed training in this area.

If you can demonstrate to your teacher that you are competent in a particular skill or skills,
talk to him/her about having them formally recognized so you don’t have to do the same training
again. If you have a qualification or Certificate of Competency from previous trainings show it to
your teacher. If the skills you acquired are still current and relevant to this module, they may
become part of the evidence you can present for RPL. If you are not sure about the currency of your
skills, discuss it with your teacher.

After completing this module ask your teacher to assess your competency. Result of your
assessment will be recorded in your competency profile. All the learning activities are designed for
you to complete at your own pace.

Inside this module you will find the activities for you to complete followed by
relevant information sheets for each learning outcome. Each learning outcome may have
more than one learning activity.

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 LIST OF COMPETENCIES

Code CORE COMPETENCIES

ELC724331 Install and configure computer systems

ELC724332 Set-up Computer Networks
ELC724333 Set-up Computer Servers
ELC724334 Maintain and Repair Computer Systems and Networks

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 COMPETENCY SUMMARY

Code BASIC COMPETENCIES

500311105 Participate in workplace communication

500311106 Work in a team environment
500311107 Practice career professionalism
500311108 Practice occupational health and safety procedures

Code COMMON COMPETENCIES

ELC315202 Apply quality standards

ELC311201 Perform computer operations
ELC311201 Perform mensuration and calculation
ELC311202 Prepare and interpret technical drawing
ELC724201 Use hand tools
ELC724202 Terminate and connect electrical wiring and electronic circuits
ELC724205 Test electronic components

Code CORE COMPETENCIES

ELC724331 Install and configure computer systems

ELC724332 Set-up Computer Networks
ELC724333 Set-up Computer Servers
ELC724334 Maintain and Repair Computer Systems and Networks

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 MODULE CONTENT

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: Set-up Computer Networks

MODULE TITLE : Setting-up Computer Networks

MODULE DESCRIPTOR:

This module is designed to enhance the kowledge, skills and attitude of the trainees in
Setting-up Computer Networks.

NOMINAL DURATION: 40 hours

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this module, the trainee/student must be able to:

1. Install Network Cables

2. Set-up Network Configuration
3. Set router / Wi-Fi / Wireless Access Point / Repeater Configuration
4. Inspect and Test the configured computer networks
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. Cable routes are determined and planned in accordance with network design and actual
installation site.
2. Network materials necessary to complete the work are identified and obtained in accordance
with established procedures and checked against systems requirements
3. Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the installation work are obtained in
accordance with established procedures and checked for correct operation and safety
4. Appropriate personal protective equipment is used and OHS policies and procedures are
followed
5. Copper cable splicing is performed based on Electronic Industries
Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA) standards
6. Network cables and cable raceway are installed in accordance with established procedures and
installation requirements
7. Installation work is performed and is checked to ensure no unnecessary damage has occurred
and complies with requirements
8. OHS standards and 5S principles are followed according to enterprise requirements
9. Excess components and materials are disposed of based on WEEE directives and 3Rs waste
management program.
10. Network connectivity of each terminal is checked in accordance with network design.
11. Any fault or problem in the network system is diagnosed and remedied in line with the
standard operating procedures.

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12. Network interface card (NIC) settings are configured in accordance with network design.
13. Communication checking between terminals are carried out in accordance with OS network
configuration guides
14. Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in accordance with established procedures
15. Client Device systems settings are configured in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
and end-user preferences
16. Local area network (LAN) port is configured in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
and network design
17. Wide area network (WAN) port is configured in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
and network design
18. Wireless settings are configured in accordance manufacturers’ instructions, network design
and end-user preferences
19. Security/Firewall/Advance settings are configured in accordance with manufacturers’
instructions and end-user preferences
20. Final inspections are undertaken to ensure that the configuration done on the computer
networks conforms with the manufacturer’s instruction/manual
21. Computer networks are checked to ensure safe operation.
22. Reports are prepared / completed according to company requirements.

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 Learning Outcome Summary
LEARNING OUTCOME Assemble Computer Hardware
NO. 1
Contents:
Network Design
Network Materials, Tools, equipment and testing devices
OH&S Policies and Procedures / 5s Principles
Cable Spicing
Network Cable and Cable Raceway installation
Perform and Check Installation Work
Assessment Criteria:
Unit assembly is planned and prepared to ensure OH&S policies and procedures are followed in
accordance with systems requirements
a. Cable routes are determined and planned in accordance with network design and
actual installation site.
b. Network materials necessary to complete the work are identified and obtained in
accordance with established procedures and checked against systems requirements
c. Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the installation work are
obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked for correct operation
and safety
d. Appropriate personal protective equipment is used and OHS policies and procedures
are followed
e. Copper cable splicing is performed based on Electronic Industries
Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA) standards
f. Network cables and cable raceway are installed in accordance with established
procedures and installation requirements
g. Installation work is performed and is checked to ensure no unnecessary damage has
occurred and complies with requirements
h. OHS standards and 5S principles are followed according to enterprise requirements
i. Excess components and materials are disposed of based on WEEE directives and 3Rs
waste management program.
Conditions:

Students/trainees must be provided with the following:

1. Workplace Location
2. Equipment, Tools, Accessories and Supplies
 Desktop PC, Laptop and workstations
 PPE
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  Router / Wi-Fi / Wireless Access Point / Repeater
 Software application/Program (CD/DVD)
 Multi-Tester
 Cables (fiber optic & copper)
 Terminals and terminal box
 Insulators
 Fasteners
 Cable raceway/duct
 Clamps
 Wire stripper with bolt cutter
 Pliers (assorted)
 Screw drivers (assorted)
 Crimping tools
3. Training Materials
 OH&S Policies and procedure manual
 Practicing 3Rs manual
 Network Topology Chart
 Network Configuration Manual

Assessment Method:

1. Written exam
2. Practical exam
3. Practical Demonstration

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 Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 1:
Install Network cables
Learning Activities Special Instructions
If you have some problem on the content of the
1. Read information sheet 2.1-1 Network information sheet don’t hesitate to approach
Design your facilitator.
If you feel that you are now knowledgeable on
the content of the information sheet, you can
now answer self-check provided in the
module.
Compare your answer to the answer key 2.1-1
2. Answer Self Check 4.2-1 If you got 100% correct answer in this self-
check, you can now move to the next
information sheet. If not review the
information sheet and go over the self-check
again.

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 INFORMATION SHEET 2.1-1

Network Design

Learning Objective:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to be familiar with
Computer Network Design.

TECHNICAL TERMS
Bluetooth - wireless connection use to send and received messages
Coverall - apparel suit won to protect the body
E-mail - electronic messages we received via internet
Fax - abbreviation of facsimile; the electronic transmission of copies of documents for
reproduction at a remote location.

Internet - abbreviation for internetwork. A set of corrupt networks made up of a large

number of smaller networks.
Intranet - set of interconnected networks using the Internet Protocol
Modems - translates between digital signals that the computer uses, and analog signals suitable for
transmission over telephone lines.

Network - interconnected group of computers

PDA - abbreviation for Personal Digital Assistant; a tiny pen-based palm top computer that
combines fax, e-mail and simple word processing into an easy-to-use unit
that fits, into pocket.

OHS - Occupational Health & Safety

Peer-to-peer network – a network architecture in which driver files and printers on every PC can be
available to every other PC on the network.

Policies - approach, code, system, guidelines, theory, line

Server - any computer that makes access to files, printing, communications, or other
services available users of the network.

Software - an application program or an operating system that computer execute

Storage Media - devices used to store data from the computer.

Topology - map of a network

USB - abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus
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Wide Area Network – network that connects users across large distances, and other crosses the
geographical boundaries of cities or state.

A computer network is an interconnected group of computers.

Computer Network

In general, the term network can refer to any interconnected group or system. More
specifically, a network is any method of sharing information between two systems (human or
mechanical).

BENEFITS OF SHARING INFORMATION VIA NETWORK

In addition to reducing hardware costs by sharing expensive printers and other peripherals
among multiple users, networks provide additional benefits to the users.

 Software and data files can be shared for access by multiple users
 Electronic mail (email) can be sent and received
 Collaboration features allow contributions by multiple users to a single document
 Remote-control programs can be used to troubleshoot problems or show new users how to
perform a task

SHARED HARDWARE COMPONENTS

Virtually any storage or output device can be shared over a network, but the most common
devices to be used over a network include:

 Printers
 Disk drives
 CD-ROM and optical drives
 Modems
 Fax
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 Tape backup units

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, or building Current LANs are
most likely to be based on Ethernet technology. For example, a library will have a wired or wireless
LAN for users to interconnect local devices (e.g., printers and servers) and to connect to the internet.
All of the PCs in the library are connected by category 5 (Cat5) cable, running the IEEE 802.3 protocol
through a system of interconnection devices and eventually connect to the internet. The cables to
the servers are on Cat 5e enhanced cable, which will support IEEE 802.3 at 1 GB/s.

The staff computers (bright green) can get to the color printer, checkout records, and the
academic network and the Internet. All user computers can get to the Internet and the card catalog.
Each workgroup can get to its local printer. Note that the printers are not accessible from outside
their workgroup.

Workgroup of
Computers
Hub

Server
Local Area Network

Client/Server Vs Peer-to-Peer Networks

Although every computer on a LAN is connected to every other, they do not necessarily
mean all communicate with each other. There are two basic types of LAN, based on communication
patterns between the machines, called client/server networks and peer-to-peer networks.

Client/Server Networks

Every computer has a distinct role, that of either a client or a server. A server is designed to
share its resources among client computers on the network. The Client/Server is composed of:

Servers

 These are located in secured areas, such as locked closets and data centers, because they
hold the organization's most valuable data and do not have the accessed by operators on a
continuous basis.
 The server runs a special network operating system such as: Windows NT Server, Windows
2000 or Novell Netware.
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Clients

- The rest of the computers on the network function as client. A client standard PC that is
running an operating system such as DOS or Windows.

Client
Hub

Server

Example of Client/Server

Peer-to-Peer Network

In a peer-to-peer network, every computer is equal and can communicate with other
computer on a network to which it has been granted access rights. Essentially, every computer in
this network functions as both server and client. Peer-to-peer network can be as small as two
computers as many as hundreds of units.

There is no theoretical limit to the size of a peer-to-peer network, performance drops

significantly and security becomes a major headache on peer -based network with more than 10
computers. Also, Microsoft imposes a 10-station limit on computers running Windows 2000
Professional who are sharing resources with other system. For this reason, it is better you switch to a
client/server network when your network climbs to 10 stations.

Internetwork
Two or more networks or network segments connected using devices that operate at layer 3
(the 'network' layer) of the OSI Basic Reference Model, such as a router. Any interconnection among
or between public, private, commercial, industrial, or governmental networks may also be defined as
an internetwork.

In modern practice, the interconnected networks use the Internet Protocol. There are at
least three variants of internetwork, depending on who administers and who participates in them:

 Intranet
 Extranet
 Internet

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 Intranets and extranets may or may not have connections to the Internet. If connected to
the Internet, the intranet or extranet is normally protected from being accessed from the Internet
without proper authorization. The Internet is not considered to be a part of the intranet or extranet,
although it may serve as a portal for access to portions of an extranet.

Intranet

An intranet is a set of interconnected networks, using the

Internet Protocol and uses IP-based tools such as web browsers and ftp
tools, that is under the control of a single administrative entity. That
administrative entity closes the intranet to the rest of the world, and
allows only specific users. Most commonly, an intranet is the internal
network of a company or other enterprise.

Extranet
An extranet is a network or internetwork that is limited
in scope to a single organization or entity but which also has
limited connections to the networks of one or more other
usually, but not necessarily, trusted organizations or entities (e.g.
a company's customers may be given access to some part of its
intranet creating in this way an extranet, while at the same time
the customers may not be considered 'trusted' from a security
standpoint). Technically, an extranet may also be categorized as
a CAN, MAN, WAN, or other type of network, although, by
definition, an extranet cannot consist of a single LAN; it must
have at least one connection with an external network.

Internet
A specific internetwork, consisting of a worldwide interconnection of
governmental, academic, public, and private networks based upon the
Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) developed by ARPA of
the U.S. Department of Defense – also home to the World Wide Web (WWW)
and referred to as the 'Internet' with a capital 'I' to distinguish it from other
generic internetworks.

Topology Ring Topology Bus Topology

Network Star Topology GAN
LAN Extranet MAN
WAN Internet Intranet

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Diagram of Different Network Topology

SELF-CHECK 2.1-1

I. Identify the following. Choose your answer from the grid below. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering.

______________ 1. The World Wide Web.

______________ 2. The internal network of a company or other enterprise.

______________ 3. A model for supporting mobile communications across an

arbitrary number of wireless LANs.

______________ 4. A data communications network that covers a relatively

broad geographic area.

______________ 5. A network that connects two or more Local Area Networks

or Campus Area Networks together.

______________ 6. It signifies the way in which intelligent devices in the

network see their logical relations to one another

______________ 7. It is the interconnected group of computers.

______________ 8. A network covering a small geographic area, like a home.

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______________ 9. All the cables run from the computers to the central
location where they are all connected by hub.

______________10. Each computer is connected to the next computer with the

last one connected to the first.

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 ANSWER KEY2.1-1

1. Internet

2. Intranet

3. GAN

4. WAN

5. MAN

6. Topology

7. Network

8. LAN

9. Star topology

10. Ring topology

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 Learning Outcome Summary
LEARNING OUTCOME Set Network Configuration
NO. 2
Contents:
Network terminal
Network interface card
Assessment Criteria
1.1 Network connectivity of each terminal is checked in accordance with network design.
1.2 Any fault or problem in the network system is diagnosed and remedied in line with the
standard operating procedures.
1.3 Network interface card (NIC) settings are configured in accordance with network design.
1.4 Communication checking between terminals are carried out in accordance with OS network
configuration guides
1.5 Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in accordance with established procedures

Conditions:

The trainee will be provided with the following materials

Cables
Fiber optics
copper
terminals
cable raceway/duct
clamps
fasteners
insulators
terminal box

Assessment Method:

Written exam
Practical examPractical Demonstration

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 Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 1:
Install Network cables
Learning Activities Special Instructions
If you have some problem on the content of
3. Read information sheet 2.1-1 Basic the information sheet don’t hesitate to
Network Infrastructure approach your facilitator.
If you feel that you are now
knowledgeable on the content of the
information sheet, you can now answer
self-check provided in the module.
Compare your answer to the answer key
4. Answer Self Check 4.2-1 2.1-1 If you got 100% correct answer in
this self-check, you can now move to the
next information sheet. If not review the
information sheet and go over the self-
check again.

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 INFORMATION SHEET 2.1-1

THE BASIC NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE

Let's review the basic network infrastructure on the modern Debian system.

Table 5.1. List of network configuration tools

packages popcon size type description

standardized tool to bring up and down the
ifupdown V:573, I:997 121 config::ifupdown
network (Debian specific)
ifplugd V:3, I:11 352 ,, manage the wired network automatically
network testing script to enhance "ifupdown"
ifupdown-extra V:0, I:1 123 ,,
package
ifmetric V:0, I:1 21 ,, set routing metrics for a network interface
mapping script to enhance "ifupdown" package
guessnet V:0, I:1 456 ,,
via "/etc/network/interfaces" file
ifscheme V:0, I:0 132 ,, mapping scripts to enhance "ifupdown" package
Zugschlus' interface scripts for ifupdown's
ifupdown-scripts-zg2 V:0, I:0 147 ,,
manual method
NetworkManager (daemon): manage the
network-manager V:369, I:486 7106 config::NM
network automatically
network-manager-gnome V:272, I:434 6720 ,, NetworkManager (GNOME frontend)
plasma-widget-
V:25, I:64 16 ,, NetworkManager (KDE frontend)
networkmanagement
wired and wireless network manager
wicd I:21 16 config::wicd
(metapackage)
wired and wireless network manager (command-
wicd-cli V:0, I:3 28 ,,
line client)
wired and wireless network manager (Curses
wicd-curses V:1, I:6 128 ,,
client)
wicd-daemon V:23, I:27 1103 ,, wired and wireless network manager (daemon)
wired and wireless network manager (GTK+
wicd-gtk V:17, I:23 387 ,,
client)
administration tools for packet filtering and NAT
iptables V:244, I:995 1415 config::Netfilter
(Netfilter)
iproute2, IPv6 and other advanced network
iproute V:467, I:971 16 config::iproute2
configuration: ip(8), tc(8), etc
rename network interfaces based on various
ifrename V:1, I:3 192 ,,
static criteria: ifrename(8)
ethtool V:94, I:245 272 ,, display or change Ethernet device settings
test network reachability of a remote host by
iputils-ping V:287, I:996 116 test::iproute2
hostname or IP address (iproute2)
test network reachability of a remote host
iputils-arping V:2, I:23 47 ,,
specified by the ARP address
iputils-tracepath V:24, I:320 77 ,, trace the network path to a remote host
NET-3 networking toolkit (net-tools, IPv4
net-tools V:655, I:998 910 config::net-tools
network configuration): ifconfig(8) etc.
inetutils-ping V:0, I:1 347 test::net-tools test network reachability of a remote host by

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packages popcon size type description
hostname or IP address (legacy, GNU)
test network reachability of a remote host
arping V:3, I:30 103 ,,
specified by the ARP address (legacy)
trace the network path to a remote host (legacy,
traceroute V:85, I:994 126 ,,
console)
isc-dhcp-client V:501, I:924 560 config::low-level DHCP client
wpasupplicant V:384, I:536 2469 ,, client support for WPA and WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i)
wpagui V:0, I:5 831 ,, Qt GUI client for wpa_supplicant
wireless-tools V:68, I:268 325 ,, tools for manipulating Linux Wireless Extensions
ppp V:99, I:534 921 ,, PPP/PPPoE connection with chat
pppoeconf V:1, I:17 290 config::helper configuration helper for PPPoE connection
configuration helper for PPP connection with
pppconfig V:1, I:7 1014 ,,
chat
configuration helper for PPP connection with
wvdial V:1, I:11 276 ,,
wvdial and ppp
mtr-tiny V:9, I:74 123 test::low-level trace the network path to a remote host (curses)
trace the network path to a remote host (curses
mtr V:6, I:36 167 ,,
and GTK+)
tools for common network information
gnome-nettool V:21, I:349 2752 ,,
operations (GNOME)
nmap V:57, I:486 17598 ,, network mapper / port scanner (Nmap, console)
zenmap V:2, I:13 2657 ,, network mapper / port scanner (GTK+)
tcpdump V:25, I:199 1092 ,, network traffic analyzer (Tcpdump, console)
wireshark V:11, I:74 2300 ,, network traffic analyzer (Wireshark, GTK+)
tshark V:3, I:33 359 ,, network traffic analyzer (console)
monitoring and management system for hosts,
nagios3 V:1, I:12 1 ,,
services and networks (Nagios)
produce a summarization of the connections
tcptrace V:0, I:2 389 ,,
from tcpdump output
flexible network intrusion detection system
snort V:2, I:3 1707 ,,
(Snort)
ntop V:5, I:10 1685 ,, display network usage in web browser
network clients provided with BIND: nslookup(8),
dnsutils V:102, I:922 377 ,,
nsupdate(8), dig(8)
check DNS zone information using nameserver
dlint V:2, I:53 96 ,,
lookups
dnstracer V:0, I:3 81 ,, trace a chain of DNS servers to the source

5.1.1. The hostname resolution

The hostname resolution is currently supported by the NSS (Name Service Switch)
mechanism too. The flow of this resolution is the following.

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 1. The "/etc/nsswitch.conf" file with stanza like "hosts: files dns" dictates the hostname
resolution order. (This replaces the old functionality of the "order" stanza in
"/etc/host.conf".)
2. The files method is invoked first. If the hostname is found in the "/etc/hosts" file, it
returns all valid addresses for it and exits. (The "/etc/host.conf" file contains "multi
on".)
3. The dns method is invoked. If the hostname is found by the query to the Internet
Domain Name System (DNS) identified by the "/etc/resolv.conf" file, it returns all
valid addresses for it and exits.

For example, "/etc/hosts" looks like the following.

127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.1.1 <host_name>

# The following lines are desirable for IPv6 capable hosts

::1 ip6-localhost ip6-loopback
fe00::0 ip6-localnet
ff00::0 ip6-mcastprefix
ff02::1 ip6-allnodes
ff02::2 ip6-allrouters
ff02::3 ip6-allhosts

Each line starts with a IP address and it is followed by the associated hostname.

The IP address 127.0.1.1 in the second line of this example may not be found on some other
Unix-like systems. The Debian Installer creates this entry for a system without a permanent
IP address as a workaround for some software (e.g., GNOME) as documented in the bug
#719621.

The <host_name> matches the hostname defined in the "/etc/hostname".

For a system with a permanent IP address, that permanent IP address should be used here
instead of 127.0.1.1.

For a system with a permanent IP address and a fully qualified domain name (FQDN)
provided by the Domain Name System (DNS), that canonical <host_name>.<domain_name>
should be used instead of just <host_name>.

The "/etc/resolv.conf" is a static file if the resolvconf package is not installed. If installed, it is
a symbolic link. Either way, it contains information that initialize the resolver routines. If the
DNS is found at IP="192.168.11.1", it contains the following.

nameserver 192.168.11.1
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The resolvconf package makes this "/etc/resolv.conf" into a symbolic link and manages its
contents by the hook scripts automatically.

For the PC workstation on the typical adhoc LAN environment, the hostname can be
resolved via Multicast DNS (mDNS, Zeroconf) in addition to the basic files and dns methods.

 Avahi provides a framework for Multicast DNS Service Discovery on Debian.

 It is equivalent of Apple Bonjour / Apple Rendezvous.
 The libnss-mdns plugin package provides host name resolution via mDNS for the
GNU Name Service Switch (NSS) functionality of the GNU C Library (glibc).
 The "/etc/nsswitch.conf" file should have stanza like "hosts: files mdns4_minimal
[NOTFOUND=return] dns mdns4".
 Host names ending with the ".local" pseudo-top-level domain (TLD) are resolved.
 The mDNS IPv4 link-local multicast address "224.0.0.251" or its IPv6 equivalent
"FF02::FB" are used to make DNS query for a name ending with ".local".

The hostname resolution via deprecated NETBios over TCP/IP used by the older Windows
system can be provided by installing the winbind package. The "/etc/nsswitch.conf" file
should have stanza like "hosts: files mdns4_minimal [NOTFOUND=return] dns mdns4 wins"
to enable this functionality. (Modern Windows system usually use the dns method for the
hostname resolution.)
Note
The expansion of generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) in the Domain Name System is
underway. Watch out for the name collision when chosing a domain name used only
within LAN.

5.1.2. The network interface name

The network interface name, e.g. eth0, is assigned to each hardware in the Linux kernel
through the user space configuration mechanism, udev (see Section 3.3, “The udev
system”), as it is found. The network interface name is referred as physical interface in
ifup(8) and interfaces(5).

In order to ensure each network interface to be named persistently for each reboot using
MAC address etc., there is a rules file "/etc/udev/rules.d/70-persistent-net.rules". This file is
automatically generated by the "/lib/udev/write_net_rules" program, probably run by the
"persistent-net-generator.rules" rules file. You can modify it to change naming rule.
Caution
When editing the "/etc/udev/rules.d/70-persistent-net.rules" rules file, you must keep
each rule on a single line and the MAC address in lowercase. For example, if you find
"FireWire device" and "PCI device" in this file, you probably want to name "PCI device"
as eth0 and configure it as the primary network interface.

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5.1.3. The network address range for the LAN

Let us be reminded of the IPv4 32 bit address ranges in each class reserved for use on the
local area networks (LANs) by rfc1918. These addresses are guaranteed not to conflict with
any addresses on the Internet proper.

Table 5.2. List of network address ranges

Class network addresses net mask net mask /bits # of subnets

A 10.x.x.x 255.0.0.0 /8 1
B 172.16.x.x — 172.31.x.x 255.255.0.0 /16 16
C 192.168.0.x — 192.168.255.x 255.255.255.0 /24 256

Note
If one of these addresses is assigned to a host, then that host must not access the
Internet directly but must access it through a gateway that acts as a proxy for individual
services or else does Network Address Translation (NAT). The broadband router usually
performs NAT for the consumer LAN environment.

5.1.4. The network device support

Although most hardware devices are supported by the Debian system, there are some
network devices which require DFSG non-free firmware to support them. Please see
Section 9.9.6, “Hardware drivers and firmware”.

5.2. The modern network configuration for desktop

Debian squeeze and newer can manage the network connection via management daemon
software such as NetworkManager (NM) (network-manager and associated packages) or
Wicd (wicd and associated packages).

 They come with their own GUI and command-line programs as their user interfaces.
 They come with their own daemon as their backend system.
 They allow easy connection of your system to the Internet.
 They allow easy management of wired and wireless network configuration.
 They allow us to configure network independent of the legacy ifupdown package.

Note
Do not use these automatic network configuration tools for servers. These are aimed
primarily for mobile desktop users on laptops.

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These modern network configuration tools need to be configured properly to avoid
conflicting with the legacy ifupdown package and its configuration file
"/etc/network/interfaces".

Note
Some features of these automatic network configuration tools may suffer regressions.
These are not as robust as the legacy ifupdown package. Check BTS of network-
manager and BTS of wicd for current issues and limitations.

5.2.1. GUI network configuration tools

Official documentations for NM and Wicd on Debian are provided in

"/usr/share/doc/network-manager/README.Debian" and
"/usr/share/doc/wicd/README.Debian", respectively.

Essentially, the network configuration for desktop is done as follows.

1. Make desktop user, e.g. foo, belong to group "netdev" by the following
(Alternatively, do it automatically via D-bus under modern desktop environments
such as GNOME and KDE).

$ sudo adduser foo netdev

2. Keep configuration of "/etc/network/interfaces" as simple as in the following.

3. auto lo
iface lo inet loopback

4. Restart NM or Wicd by the following.

$ sudo /etc/init.d/network-manager restart

$ sudo /etc/init.d/wicd restart

5. Configure your network via GUI.

Note
Only interfaces which are not listed in "/etc/network/interfaces" are managed by NM
or Wicd to avoid conflict with ifupdown.
Tip
If you wish to extend network configuration capabilities of NM,
please seek appropriate plug-in modules and supplemental
packages such as network-manager-openconnect, network-
manager-openvpn-gnome, network-manager-pptp-gnome,

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 mobile-broadband-provider-info, gnome-bluetooth, etc. The
same goes for those of Wicd.
Caution
These automatic network configuration tools may not be compatible with esoteric
configurations of legacy ifupdown in "/etc/network/interfaces" such as ones in
Section 5.5, “The basic network configuration with ifupdown (legacy)” and Section 5.6,
“The advanced network configuration with ifupdown (legacy)”. Check BTS of network-
manager and BTS of wicd for current issues and limitations.

5.3. The legacy network connection and configuration

When the method described in Section 5.2, “The modern network configuration for
desktop” does not suffice your needs, you should use the legacy network connection and
configuration method which combines many simpler tools.

The legacy network connection is specific for each method (see Section 5.4, “The network
connection method (legacy)”).

There are 2 types of programs for the low level network configuration on Linux (see
Section 5.7.1, “Iproute2 commands”).

 Old net-tools programs (ifconfig(8), …) are from the Linux NET-3 networking system.
Most of these are obsolete now.
 New Linux iproute2 programs (ip(8), …) are the current Linux networking system.

Although these low level networking programs are powerful, they are cumbersome to use.
So high level network configuration systems have been created.

The ifupdown package is the de facto standard for such high level network configuration
system on Debian. It enables you to bring up network simply by doing , e.g., "ifup eth0". Its
configuration file is the "/etc/network/interfaces" file and its typical contents are the
following.

auto lo
iface lo inet loopback

auto eth0
iface eth0 inet dhcp

The resolvconf package was created to supplement ifupdown system to support smooth
reconfiguration of network address resolution by automating rewrite of resolver
configuration file "/etc/resolv.conf". Now, most Debian network configuration packages are
modified to use resolvconf package (see "/usr/share/doc/resolvconf/README.Debian").
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Helper scripts to the ifupdown package such as ifplugd, guessnet, ifscheme, etc. are created
to automate dynamic configuration of network environment such as one for mobile PC on
wired LAN. These are relatively difficult to use but play well with existing ifupdown system.

These are explained in detail with examples (see Section 5.5, “The basic network
configuration with ifupdown (legacy)” and Section 5.6, “The advanced network
configuration with ifupdown (legacy)”).

5.4. The network connection method (legacy)

Caution
The connection test methods described in this section are meant for testing purposes. It
is not meant to be used directly for the daily network connection. You are advised to
use NM, Wicd, or the ifupdown package instead (see Section 5.2, “The modern network
configuration for desktop” and Section 5.5, “The basic network configuration with
ifupdown (legacy)”).

The typical network connection method and connection path for a PC can be summarized as
the following.

Table 5.3. List of network connection methods and connection paths

PC connection method connection path

Serial port (ppp0) PPP ⇔ modem ⇔ POTS ⇔ dial-up access point ⇔ ISP
Ethernet port (eth0) PPPoE/DHCP/Static ⇔ BB-modem ⇔ BB service ⇔ BB access point ⇔ ISP
Ethernet port (eth0) DHCP/Static ⇔ LAN ⇔ BB-router with network address translation (NAT) (⇔ BB-modem …)

Here is the summary of configuration scripts for each connection method.

Table 5.4. List of network connection configurations

connection method configuration backend package(s)

PPP pppconfig to create deterministic chat pppconfig, ppp
PPP (alternative) wvdialconf to create heuristic chat ppp, wvdial
PPPoE pppoeconf to create deterministic chat pppoeconf, ppp
DHCP described in "/etc/dhcp/dhclient.conf" isc-dhcp-client
static IP (IPv4) described in "/etc/network/interfaces" iproute or net-tools (obsolete)
static IP (IPv6) described in "/etc/network/interfaces" iproute

The network connection acronyms mean the following.

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Table 5.5. List of network connection acronyms

acronym meaning
POTS plain old telephone service
BB broadband
BB-service e.g., the digital subscriber line (DSL), the cable TV, or the fiber to the premises (FTTP)
BB-modem e.g., the DSL modem, the cable modem, or the optical network terminal (ONT)
LAN local area network
WAN wide area network
DHCP dynamic host configuration protocol
PPP point-to-point protocol
PPPoE point-to-point protocol over Ethernet
ISP Internet service provider

Note
The WAN connection services via cable TV are generally served by DHCP or PPPoE. The
ones by ADSL and FTTP are generally served by PPPoE. You have to consult your ISP for
exact configuration requirements of the WAN connection.
Note
When BB-router is used to create home LAN environment, PCs on LAN are connected to
the WAN via BB-router with network address translation (NAT). For such case, PC's
network interfaces on the LAN are served by static IP or DHCP from the BB-router. BB-
router must be configured to connect the WAN following the instruction by your ISP.

5.4.1. The DHCP connection with the Ethernet

The typical modern home and small business network, i.e. LAN, are connected to the WAN
(Internet) using some consumer grade broadband router. The LAN behind this router is
usually served by the dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server running on the
router.

Just install the isc-dhcp-client package for the Ethernet served by the dynamic host
configuration protocol (DHCP).

See dhclient.conf(5).

5.4.2. The static IP connection with the Ethernet

No special action is needed for the Ethernet served by the static IP.

5.4.3. The PPP connection with pppconfig

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The configuration script pppconfig configures the PPP connection interactively just by
selecting the following.

 The telephone number

 The ISP user name
 The ISP password
 The port speed
 The modem communication port
 The authentication method

Table 5.6. List of configuration files for the PPP connection with pppconfig

file function
/etc/ppp/peers/<isp_name> The pppconfig generated configuration file for pppd specific to <isp_name>
/etc/chatscripts/<isp_name> The pppconfig generated configuration file for chat specific to <isp_name>
/etc/ppp/options The general execution parameter for pppd
/etc/ppp/pap-secret Authentication data for the PAP (security risk)
/etc/ppp/chap-secret Authentication data for the CHAP (more secure)

Caution
The "<isp_name>" value of "provider" is assumed if pon and poff commands are
invoked without arguments.

You can test configuration using low level network configuration tools as the following.

$ sudo pon <isp_name>

...
$ sudo poff <isp_name>

See "/usr/share/doc/ppp/README.Debian.gz".

5.4.4. The alternative PPP connection with wvdialconf

A different approach to using pppd(8) is to run it from wvdial(1) which comes in the wvdial
package. Instead of pppd running chat(8) to dial in and negotiate the connection, wvdial
does the dialing and initial negotiating and then starts pppd to do the rest.

The configuration script wvdialconf configures the PPP connection interactively just by
selecting the following.

 The telephone number

 The ISP user name
 The ISP password
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wvdial succeeds in making the connection in most cases and maintains authentication data
list automatically.

Table 5.7. List of configuration files for the PPP connection with wvdialconf

file function
/etc/ppp/peers/wvdial The wvdialconf generated configuration file for pppd specific to wvdial
/etc/wvdial.conf The wvdialconf generated configuration file
/etc/ppp/options The general execution parameter for pppd
/etc/ppp/pap-secret Authentication data for the PAP (security risk)
/etc/ppp/chap-secret Authentication data for the CHAP (more secure)

You can test configuration using low level network configuration tools as the following.

$ sudo wvdial
...
$ sudo killall wvdial

See wvdial(1) and wvdial.conf(5).

5.4.5. The PPPoE connection with pppoeconf

When your ISP serves you with PPPoE connection and you decide to connect your PC
directly to the WAN, the network of your PC must be configured with the PPPoE. The PPPoE
stand for PPP over Ethernet. The configuration script pppoeconf configures the PPPoE
connection interactively.

The configuration files are the following.

Table 5.8. List of configuration files for the PPPoE connection with pppoeconf

file function
/etc/ppp/peers/dsl-provider The pppoeconf generated configuration file for pppd specific to pppoe
/etc/ppp/options The general execution parameter for pppd
/etc/ppp/pap-secret Authentication data for the PAP (security risk)
/etc/ppp/chap-secret Authentication data for the CHAP (more secure)

You can test configuration using low level network configuration tools as the following.

$ sudo /sbin/ifconfig eth0 up

$ sudo pon dsl-provider
...
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$ sudo poff dsl-provider
$ sudo /sbin/ifconfig eth0 down

See "/usr/share/doc/pppoeconf/README.Debian".

5.5. The basic network configuration with ifupdown (legacy)

The traditional TCP/IP network setup on the Debian system uses ifupdown package as a high
level tool. There are 2 typical cases.

 For dynamic IP system such as mobile PCs, you should setup TCP/IP network with
the resolvconf package and enable you to switch your network configuration easily
(see Section 5.5.4, “The network interface served by the DHCP”).
 For static IP system such as servers, you should setup TCP/IP network without the
resolvconf package and keep your system simple (see Section 5.5.5, “The network
interface with the static IP”).

These traditional setup methods are quite useful if you wish to set up advanced
configuration; find details in the following.

The ifupdown package provides the standardized framework for the high level network
configuration in the Debian system. In this section, we learn the basic network configuration
with ifupdown with simplified introduction and many typical examples.

5.5.1. The command syntax simplified

The ifupdown package contains 2 commands: ifup(8) and ifdown(8). They offer high level
network configuration dictated by the configuration file "/etc/network/interfaces".

Table 5.9. List of basic network configuration commands with ifupdown

command action
ifup eth0 bring up a network interface eth0 with the configuration eth0 if "iface eth0" stanza exists
ifdown eth0 bring down a network interface eth0 with the configuration eth0 if "iface eth0" stanza exists

Warning
Do not use low level configuration tools such as ifconfig(8) and ip(8) commands to
configure an interface in up state.
Note
There is no command ifupdown.

5.5.2. The basic syntax of "/etc/network/interfaces"

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The key syntax of "/etc/network/interfaces" as explained in interfaces(5) can be
summarized as the following.

Table 5.10. List of stanzas in "/etc/network/interfaces"

stanza meaning
"auto <interface_name>" start interface <interface_name> upon start of the system
"allow-auto <interface_name>" ,,
start interface <interface_name> when the kernel detects a hotplug event from the
"allow-hotplug <interface_name>"
interface
Lines started with "iface <config_name> …" define the network configuration <config_name>
Lines started with "mapping
define mapping value of <config_name> for the matching <interface_name>
<interface_name_glob>"
A line starting with a hash "#" ignore as comments (end-of-line comments are not supported)
A line ending with a backslash "\" extend the configuration to the next line

Lines started with iface stanza has the following syntax.

iface <config_name> <address_family> <method_name>

<option1> <value1>
<option2> <value2>
...

For the basic configuration, the mapping stanza is not used and you use the network
interface name as the network configuration name (See Section 5.6.5, “The mapping
stanza”).

Warning
Do not define duplicates of the "iface" stanza for a network interface in
"/etc/network/interfaces".

5.5.3. The loopback network interface

The following configuration entry in the "/etc/network/interfaces" file brings up the

loopback network interface lo upon booting the system (via auto stanza).

auto lo
iface lo inet loopback

This one always exists in the "/etc/network/interfaces" file.

5.5.4. The network interface served by the DHCP

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After preparing the system by Section 5.4.1, “The DHCP connection with the Ethernet”, the
network interface served by the DHCP is configured by creating the configuration entry in
the "/etc/network/interfaces" file as the following.

allow-hotplug eth0
iface eth0 inet dhcp

When the Linux kernel detects the physical interface eth0, the allow-hotplug stanza causes
ifup to bring up the interface and the iface stanza causes ifup to use DHCP to configure the
interface.

5.5.5. The network interface with the static IP

The network interface served by the static IP is configured by creating the configuration
entry in the "/etc/network/interfaces" file as the following.

allow-hotplug eth0
iface eth0 inet static
address 192.168.11.100
netmask 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.11.1
dns-domain example.com
dns-nameservers 192.168.11.1

When the Linux kernel detects the physical interface eth0, the allow-hotplug stanza causes
ifup to bring up the interface and the iface stanza causes ifup to use the static IP to
configure the interface.

Here, I assumed the following.

 IP address range of the LAN network: 192.168.11.0 - 192.168.11.255

 IP address of the gateway: 192.168.11.1
 IP address of the PC: 192.168.11.100
 The resolvconf package: installed
 The domain name: "example.com"
 IP address of the DNS server: 192.168.11.1

When the resolvconf package is not installed, DNS related configuration needs to be done
manually by editing the "/etc/resolv.conf" as the following.

nameserver 192.168.11.1
domain example.com
Caution

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 The IP addresses used in the above example are not meant to be copied literally. You
have to adjust IP numbers to your actual network configuration.

5.5.6. The basics of wireless LAN interface

The wireless LAN (WLAN for short) provides the fast wireless connectivity through the
spread-spectrum communication of unlicensed radio bands based on the set of standards
called IEEE 802.11.

The WLAN interfaces are almost like normal Ethernet interfaces but require some network
ID and encryption key data to be provided when they are initialized. Their high level
network tools are exactly the same as that of Ethernet interfaces except interface names are
a bit different like eth1, wlan0, ath0, wifi0, … depending on the kernel drivers used.

Tip
The wmaster0 device is the master device which is an internal device used only by
SoftMAC with new mac80211 API of Linux.

Here are some keywords to remember for the WLAN.

Table 5.11. List of acronyms for WLAN

acronym full word meaning

NWID Network ID 16 bit network ID used by pre-802.11 WaveLAN network (very deprecated)
(Extended) Service Set network name of the Wireless Access Points (APs) interconnected to form an integrated 802.11
(E)SSID
Identifier wireless LAN, Domain ID
WEP,
Wired Equivalent Privacy 1st generation 64-bit (128-bit) wireless encryption standard with 40-bit key (deprecated)
(WEP2)
WPA Wi-Fi Protected Access 2nd generation wireless encryption standard (most of 802.11i), compatible with WEP
WPA2 Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 3rd generation wireless encryption standard (full 802.11i), non-compatible with WEP

The actual choice of protocol is usually limited by the wireless router you deploy.

5.5.7. The wireless LAN interface with WPA/WPA2

You need to install the wpasupplicant package to support the WLAN with the new
WPA/WPA2.

In case of the DHCP served IP on WLAN connection, the "/etc/network/interfaces" file entry
should be as the following.

allow-hotplug ath0
iface ath0 inet dhcp
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wpa-ssid homezone
# hexadecimal psk is encoded from a plaintext passphrase
wpa-psk 000102030405060708090a0b0c0d0e0f101112131415161718191a1b1c1d1e1f

See "/usr/share/doc/wpasupplicant/README.modes.gz".

5.5.8. The wireless LAN interface with WEP

You need to install the wireless-tools package to support the WLAN with the old WEP. (Your
consumer grade router may still be using this insecure infrastructure but this is better than
nothing.)

Caution
Please note that your network traffic on WLAN with WEP may be sniffed by others.

In case of the DHCP served IP on WLAN connection, the "/etc/network/interfaces" file entry
should be as the following.

allow-hotplug eth0
iface eth0 inet dhcp
wireless-essid Home
wireless-key1 0123-4567-89ab-cdef
wireless-key2 12345678
wireless-key3 s:password
wireless-defaultkey 2
wireless-keymode open

See "/usr/share/doc/wireless-tools/README.Debian".

5.5.9. The PPP connection

You need to configure the PPP connection first as described before (see Section 5.4.3, “The
PPP connection with pppconfig”). Then, add the "/etc/network/interfaces" file entry for the
primary PPP device ppp0 as the following.

iface ppp0 inet ppp

provider <isp_name>

5.5.10. The alternative PPP connection

You need to configure the alternative PPP connection with wvdial first as described before
(see Section 5.4.4, “The alternative PPP connection with wvdialconf”). Then, add the
"/etc/network/interfaces" file entry for the primary PPP device ppp0 as the following.
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iface ppp0 inet wvdial

5.5.11. The PPPoE connection

For PC connected directly to the WAN served by the PPPoE, you need to configure system
with the PPPoE connection as described before (see Section 5.4.5, “The PPPoE connection
with pppoeconf”). Then, add the "/etc/network/interfaces" file entry for the primary PPPoE
device eth0 as the following.

allow-hotplug eth0
iface eth0 inet manual
pre-up /sbin/ifconfig eth0 up
up ifup ppp0=dsl
down ifdown ppp0=dsl
post-down /sbin/ifconfig eth0 down
# The following is used internally only
iface dsl inet ppp
provider dsl-provider

5.5.12. The network configuration state of ifupdown

The "/etc/network/run/ifstate" file stores the intended network configuration states for all
the currently active network interfaces managed by the ifupdown package. Unfortunately,
even if the ifupdown system fails to bring up the interface as intended, the
"/etc/network/run/ifstate" file lists it active.

Unless the output of the ifconfig(8) command for an interface does not have a line like
following example, it can not be used as a part of IPV4 network.

inet addr:192.168.11.2 Bcast:192.168.11.255 Mask:255.255.255.0

Note
For the Ethernet device connected to the PPPoE, the output of the ifconfig(8) command
lacks a line which looks like above example.

5.5.13. The basic network reconfiguration

When you try to reconfigure the interface, e.g. eth0, you must disable it first with the "sudo
ifdown eth0" command. This removes the entry of eth0 from the
"/etc/network/run/ifstate" file. (This may result in some error message if eth0 is not active
or it is configured improperly previously. So far, it seems to be safe to do this for the simple
single user work station at any time.)

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You are now free to rewrite the "/etc/network/interfaces" contents as needed to
reconfigure the network interface, eth0.

Then, you can reactivate eth0 with the "sudo ifup eth0" command.

Tip
You can (re)initialize the network interface simply by "sudo ifdown eth0;sudo ifup
eth0".

5.5.14. The ifupdown-extra package

The ifupdown-extra package provides easy network connection tests for use with the
ifupdown package.

 The network-test(1) command can be used from the shell.

 The automatic scripts are run for each ifup command execution.

The network-test command frees you from the execution of cumbersome low level
commands to analyze the network problem.

The automatic scripts are installed in "/etc/network/*/" and perform the following.

 Check the network cable connection

 Check duplicate use of IP address
 Setup system's static routes based on the "/etc/network/routes" definition
 Check if network gateway is reachable
 Record results in the "/var/log/syslog" file

This syslog record is quite useful for administration of the network problem on the remote
system.

Tip
The automatic behavior of the ifupdown-extra package is configurable with the
"/etc/default/network-test". Some of these automatic checks slow down the system
boot-up a little bit since it takes some time to listen for ARP replies.

5.6. The advanced network configuration with ifupdown (legacy)

The functionality of the ifupdown package can be improved beyond what was described in
Section 5.5, “The basic network configuration with ifupdown (legacy)” with the advanced
knowledge.

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The functionalities described here are completely optional. I, being lazy and minimalist,
rarely bother to use these.

Caution
If you could not set up network connection by information in Section 5.5, “The basic
network configuration with ifupdown (legacy)”, you make situation worse by using
information below.

5.6.1. The ifplugd package

The ifplugd package is an older automatic network configuration tool which can manage
only Ethernet connections. This solves unplugged/replugged Ethernet cable issues for
mobile PC etc. If you have NetworkManager or Wicd (see Section 5.2, “The modern network
configuration for desktop”) installed, you do not need this package.

This package runs a daemon and replaces auto or allow-hotplug functionalities (see
Table 5.10, “List of stanzas in "/etc/network/interfaces"”) and starts interfaces upon their
connection to the network.

Here is how to use the ifplugd package for the internal Ethernet port, e.g. eth0.

1. Remove stanza in "/etc/network/interfaces": "auto eth0" or "allow-hotplug eth0".

2. Keep stanza in "/etc/network/interfaces": "iface eth0 inet …" and "mapping …".
3. Install the ifplugd package.
4. Run "sudo dpkg-reconfigure ifplugd".
5. Put eth0 as the "static interfaces to be watched by ifplugd".

Now, the network reconfiguration works as you desire.

 Upon power-on or upon hardware discovery, the interface is not brought up by

itself.
o Quick boot process without the long DHCP timeout.
o No funny activated interface without proper IPv4 address (see Section 5.5.12,
“The network configuration state of ifupdown”).
 Upon finding the Ethernet cable, the interface is brought up.
 Upon some time after unplugging the Ethernet cable, the interface is brought down
automatically.
 Upon plugging in another Ethernet cable, the interface is brought up under the new
network environment.

Tip
The arguments for the ifplugd(8) command can set its behaviors such as the delay for
reconfiguring interfaces.
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5.6.2. The ifmetric package

The ifmetric package enables us to manipulate metrics of routes a posteriori even for DHCP.

The following sets the eth0 interface to be preferred over the wlan0 interface.

1. Install the ifmetric package.

2. Add an option line with "metric 0" just below the "iface eth0 inet dhcp" line in
"/etc/network/interfaces".
3. Add an option line with "metric 1" just below the "iface wlan0 inet dhcp" line in
"/etc/network/interfaces".

The metric 0 means the highest priority route and is the default one. The larger metric value
means lower priority routes. The IP address of the active interface with the lowest metric
value becomes the originating one. See ifmetric(8).

5.6.3. The virtual interface

A single physical Ethernet interface can be configured as multiple virtual interfaces with
different IP addresses. Usually the purpose is to connect an interface to several IP
subnetworks. For example, IP address based virtual web hosting by a single network
interface is one such application.

For example, let's suppose the following.

 A single Ethernet interface on your host is connected to a Ethernet hub (not to the
broadband router).
 The Ethernet hub is connected to both the Internet and LAN network.
 The LAN network uses subnet 192.168.0.x/24.
 Your host uses DHCP served IP address with the physical interface eth0 for the
Internet.
 Your host uses 192.168.0.1 with the virtual interface eth0:0 for the LAN.

The following stanzas in "/etc/network/interfaces" configure your network.

iface eth0 inet dhcp

metric 0
iface eth0:0 inet static
address 192.168.0.1
netmask 255.255.255.0
network 192.168.0.0
metric 1
Caution

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 Although this configuration example with network address translation (NAT) using
netfilter/iptables (see Section 5.9, “Netfilter infrastructure”) can provide cheap router
for the LAN with only single interface, there is no real firewall capability with such set
up. You should use 2 physical interfaces with NAT to secure the local network from the
Internet.

5.6.4. The advanced command syntax

The ifupdown package offers advanced network configuration using the network
configuration name and the network interface name. I use a terminology being slightly
different from the one used in ifup(8) and interfaces(5).

Table 5.12. List of terminology for network devices

manpage examples in the following

my terminology description
terminology text
physical interface name given by the Linux kernel (using udev
network interface name lo, eth0, <interface_name>
name mechanism)
logical interface network configuration config1, config2, name token following iface in the
name name <config_name> "/etc/network/interfaces"

Basic network configuration commands in Section 5.5.1, “The command syntax simplified”
require the network configuration name token of the iface stanza to match the network
interface name in the "/etc/network/interfaces".

Advanced network configuration commands enables separation of the network

configuration name and the network interface name in the "/etc/network/interfaces" as
the following.

Table 5.13. List of advanced network configuration commands with ifupdown

command action
ifup eth0=config1 bring up a network interface eth0 with the configuration config1
ifdown eth0=config1 bring down a network interface eth0 with the configuration config1
ifup eth0 bring up a network interface eth0 with the configuration selected by mapping stanza
ifdown eth0 bring down a network interface eth0 with the configuration selected by mapping stanza

5.6.5. The mapping stanza

We skipped explaining the mapping stanza in the "/etc/network/interfaces" in Section 5.5.2,

“The basic syntax of "/etc/network/interfaces"” to avoid complication. This stanza has the
following syntax.
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mapping <interface_name_glob>
script <script_name>
map <script_input1>
map <script_input2>
map ...

This provides advanced features to the "/etc/network/interfaces" file by automating the

choice of the configuration with the mapping script specified by <script_name>.

Let's follow the execution of the following.

$ sudo ifup eth0

When the "<interface_name_glob>" matches "eth0", this execution produces the execution
of the following command to configure eth0 automatically.

$ sudo ifup eth0=$(echo -e '<script_input1> \n <script_input2> \n ...' | <script_name> eth0)

Here, script input lines with "map" are optional and can be repeated.

Note
The glob for mapping stanza works like shell filename glob (see Section 1.5.6, “Shell
glob”).

5.6.6. The manually switchable network configuration

Here is how to switch manually among several network configurations without rewriting the
"/etc/network/interfaces" file as in Section 5.5.13, “The basic network reconfiguration” .

For all the network configuration you need to access, you create a separate stanza in
"/etc/network/interfaces" file as the following.

auto lo
iface lo inet loopback

iface config1 inet dhcp

iface config2 inet static

address 192.168.11.100
netmask 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.11.1
dns-domain example.com
dns-nameservers 192.168.11.1
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iface pppoe inet manual
pre-up /sbin/ifconfig eth0 up
up ifup ppp0=dsl
down ifdown ppp0=dsl
post-down /sbin/ifconfig eth0 down

# The following is used internally only

iface dsl inet ppp
provider dsl-provider

iface pots inet ppp

provider provider

Please note the network configuration name which is the token after iface does not use the
token for the network interface name. Also, there are no auto stanza nor allow-hotplug
stanza to start the network interface eth0 automatically upon events.

Now you are ready to switch the network configuration.

Let's move your PC to a LAN served by the DHCP. You bring up the network interface (the
physical interface) eth0 by assigning the network configuration name (the logical interface
name) config1 to it by the following.

$ sudo ifup eth0=config1

Password:
...

The interface eth0 is up, configured by DHCP and connected to LAN.

$ sudo ifdown eth0=config1

...

The interface eth0 is down and disconnected from LAN.

Let's move your PC to a LAN served by the static IP. You bring up the network interface eth0
by assigning the network configuration name config2 to it by the following.

$ sudo ifup eth0=config2

...

The interface eth0 is up, configured with static IP and connected to LAN. The additional
parameters given as dns-* configures "/etc/resolv.conf" contents. This "/etc/resolv.conf" is
better manged if the resolvconf package is installed.
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$ sudo ifdown eth0=config2
...

The interface eth0 is down and disconnected from LAN, again.

Let's move your PC to a port on BB-modem connected to the PPPoE served service. You
bring up the network interface eth0 by assigning the network configuration name pppoe to
it by the following.

$ sudo ifup eth0=pppoe

...

The interface eth0 is up, configured with PPPoE connection directly to the ISP.

$ sudo ifdown eth0=pppoe

...

The interface eth0 is down and disconnected, again.

Let's move your PC to a location without LAN or BB-modem but with POTS and modem. You
bring up the network interface ppp0 by assigning the network configuration name pots to
it by the following.

$ sudo ifup ppp0=pots

...

The interface ppp0 is up and connected to the Internet with PPP.

$ sudo ifdown ppp0=pots

...

The interface ppp0 is down and disconnected from the Internet.

You should check the "/etc/network/run/ifstate" file for the current network configuration
state of the ifupdown system.

Warning
You may need to adjust numbers at the end of eth*, ppp*, etc. if you have multiple
network interfaces.

5.6.7. Scripting with the ifupdown system

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The ifupdown system automatically runs scripts installed in "/etc/network/*/" while
exporting environment variables to scripts.

Table 5.14. List of environment variables passed by the ifupdown system

environment variable value passed

"$IFACE" physical name (interface name) of the interface being processed
"$LOGICAL" logical name (configuration name) of the interface being processed
"$ADDRFAM" <address_family> of the interface
"$METHOD" <method_name> of the interface (e.g., "static")
"$MODE" "start" if run from ifup, "stop" if run from ifdown
"$PHASE" as per "$MODE", but with finer granularity, distinguishing the pre-up, post-up, pre-down and post-down phases
"$VERBOSITY" indicates whether "--verbose" was used; set to 1 if so, 0 if not
"$PATH" command search path: "/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin"
"$IF_<OPTION>" value for the corresponding option under the iface stanza

Here, each environment variable, "$IF_<OPTION>", is created from the name for the
corresponding option such as <option1> and <option2> by prepending "$IF_", converting
the case to the upper case, replacing hyphens to underscores, and discarding non-
alphanumeric characters.

Tip
See Section 5.5.2, “The basic syntax of "/etc/network/interfaces"” for
<address_family>, <method_name>, <option1> and <option2>.

The ifupdown-extra package (see Section 5.5.14, “The ifupdown-extra package”) uses these
environment variables to extend the functionality of the ifupdown package. The ifmetric
package (see Section 5.6.2, “The ifmetric package”) installs the "/etc/network/if-
up.d/ifmetric" script which sets the metric via the "$IF_METRIC" variable. The guessnet
package (see Section 5.6.8, “Mapping with guessnet”), which provides simple and powerful
framework for the auto-selection of the network configuration via the mapping mechanism,
also uses these.

Note
For more specific examples of custom network configuration scripts using these
environment variables, you should check example scripts in
"/usr/share/doc/ifupdown/examples/*" and scripts used in ifscheme and ifupdown-
scripts-zg2 packages. These additional scripts have some overlaps of functionalities with
basic ifupdown-extra and guessnet packages. If you install these additional scripts, you
should customize these scripts to avoid interferences.

5.6.8. Mapping with guessnet

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Instead of manually choosing configuration as described in Section 5.6.6, “The manually
switchable network configuration”, you can use the mapping mechanism described in
Section 5.6.5, “The mapping stanza” to select network configuration automatically with
custom scripts.

The guessnet-ifupdown(8) command provided by the guessnet package is designed to be

used as a mapping script and provides powerful framework to enhance the ifupdown
system.

 You list test condition as the value for guessnet options for each network
configuration under iface stanza.
 Mapping choses the iface with first non-ERROR result as the network configuration.

This dual usage of the "/etc/network/interfaces" file by the mapping script, guessnet-
ifupdown, and the original network configuration infrastructure, ifupdown, does not cause
negative impacts since guessnet options only export extra environment variables to scripts
run by the ifupdown system. See details in guessnet-ifupdown(8).

Note
When multiple guessnet option lines are required in "/etc/network/interfaces", use
option lines started with guessnet1, guessnet2, and so on, since the ifupdown package
does not allow starting strings of option lines to be repeated.

5.7. The low level network configuration

5.7.1. Iproute2 commands

Iproute2 commands offer complete low-level network configuration capabilities. Here is a

translation table from obsolete net-tools commands to new iproute2 etc. commands.

Table 5.15. Translation table from obsolete net-tools commands to new iproute2
commands

obsolete net-tools new iproute2 etc. manipulation

ifconfig(8) ip addr protocol (IP or IPv6) address on a device
route(8) ip route routing table entry
arp(8) ip neigh ARP or NDISC cache entry
ipmaddr ip maddr multicast address
iptunnel ip tunnel tunnel over IP
nameif(8) ifrename(8) name network interfaces based on MAC addresses
mii-tool(8) ethtool(8) Ethernet device settings

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See ip(8) and IPROUTE2 Utility Suite Howto.

5.7.2. Safe low level network operations

You may use low level network commands as follows safely since they do not change
network configuration.

Table 5.16. List of low level network commands

command description
ifconfig display the link and address status of active interfaces
ip addr show display the link and address status of active interfaces
route -n display all the routing table in numerical addresses
ip route show display all the routing table in numerical addresses
arp display the current content of the ARP cache tables
ip neigh display the current content of the ARP cache tables
plog display ppp daemon log
ping yahoo.com check the Internet connection to "yahoo.com"
whois yahoo.com check who registered "yahoo.com" in the domains database
traceroute yahoo.com trace the Internet connection to "yahoo.com"
tracepath yahoo.com trace the Internet connection to "yahoo.com"
mtr yahoo.com trace the Internet connection to "yahoo.com" (repeatedly)
dig [@dns-server.com] example.com check DNS records of "example.com" by "dns-server.com" for a "a", "mx", or "any"
[{a|mx|any}] record
iptables -L -n check packet filter
netstat -a find all open ports
netstat -l --inet find listening ports
netstat -ln --tcp find listening TCP ports (numeric)
dlint example.com check DNS zone information of "example.com"

Tip
Some of these low level network configuration tools reside in "/sbin/". You may need to
issue full command path such as "/sbin/ifconfig" or add "/sbin" to the "$PATH" list in
your "~/.bashrc".

5.8. Network optimization

Generic network optimization is beyond the scope of this documentation. I touch only
subjects pertinent to the consumer grade connection.

Table 5.17. List of network optimization tools

packages popcon size description

iftop V:11, I:101 118 display bandwidth usage information on an network interface
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 packages popcon size description
iperf V:5, I:49 175 Internet Protocol bandwidth measuring tool
apt-spy V:1, I:10 105 write a "/etc/apt/sources.list" file based on bandwidth tests
ifstat V:1, I:11 41 InterFace STATistics Monitoring
bmon V:2, I:10 118 portable bandwidth monitor and rate estimator
ethstatus V:0, I:4 84 script that quickly measures network device throughput
bing V:0, I:4 96 empirical stochastic bandwidth tester
bwm-ng V:2, I:17 71 small and simple console-based bandwidth monitor
ethstats V:0, I:1 52 console-based Ethernet statistics monitor
ipfm V:0, I:0 156 bandwidth analysis tool

5.8.1. Finding optimal MTU

The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) value can be determined experimentally with
ping(8) with "-M do" option which sends ICMP packets with data size starting from 1500
(with offset of 28 bytes for the IP+ICMP header) and finding the largest size without IP
fragmentation.

For example, try the following

$ ping -c 1 -s $((1500-28)) -M do www.debian.org

PING www.debian.org (194.109.137.218) 1472(1500) bytes of data.
From 192.168.11.2 icmp_seq=1 Frag needed and DF set (mtu = 1454)

--- www.debian.org ping statistics ---

0 packets transmitted, 0 received, +1 errors

Try 1454 instead of 1500

You see ping(8) succeed with 1454.

This process is Path MTU (PMTU) discovery (RFC1191) and the tracepath(8) command can
automate this.

Tip
The above example with PMTU value of 1454 is for my previous FTTP provider which
used Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) as its backbone network and served its clients
with the PPPoE. The actual PMTU value depends on your environment, e.g., 1500 for
the my new FTTP provider.

Table 5.18. Basic guide lines of the optimal MTU value

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network environment MTU rationale
Dial-up link (IP: PPP) 576 standard
Ethernet link (IP: DHCP or fixed) 1500 standard and default
Ethernet link (IP: PPPoE) 1492 (=1500-8) 2 bytes for PPP header and 6 bytes for PPPoE header
Ethernet link (ISP's backbone: ATM, IP: DHCP or author's speculation: 18 bytes for Ethernet header, 8 bytes for SAR
1462 (=48*31-18-8)
fixed) trailer
1454 (=48*31-8-18- see "Optimal MTU configuration for PPPoE ADSL Connections" for
Ethernet link (ISP's backbone: ATM, IP: PPPoE)
8) rationale

In addtion to these basic guide lines, you should know the following.

 Any use of tunneling methods (VPN etc.) may reduce optimal MTU further by their
overheads.
 The MTU value should not exceed the experimentally determined PMTU value.
 The bigger MTU value is generally better when other limitations are met.

5.8.2. Setting MTU

Here are examples for setting the MTU value from its default 1500 to 1454.

For the DHCP (see Section 5.5.4, “The network interface served by the DHCP”), you can
replace pertinent iface stanza lines in the "/etc/network/interfaces" with the following.

iface eth0 inet dhcp

pre-up /sbin/ifconfig $IFACE mtu 1454

For the static IP (see Section 5.5.5, “The network interface with the static IP”), you can
replace pertinent iface stanza lines in the "/etc/network/interfaces" with the following.

iface eth0 inet static

address 192.168.11.100
netmask 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.11.1
mtu 1454
dns-domain example.com
dns-nameservers 192.168.11.1

For the direct PPPoE (see Section 5.4.5, “The PPPoE connection with pppoeconf”), you can
replace pertinent "mtu" line in the "/etc/ppp/peers/dsl-provider" with the following.

mtu 1454

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The maximum segment size (MSS) is used as an alternative measure of packet size. The
relationship between MSS and MTU are the following.

 MSS = MTU - 40 for IPv4

 MSS = MTU - 60 for IPv6

Note
The iptables(8) (see Section 5.9, “Netfilter infrastructure”) based optimization can
clamp packet size by the MSS and is useful for the router. See "TCPMSS" in iptables(8).

5.8.3. WAN TCP optimization

The TCP throughput can be maximized by adjusting TCP buffer size parameters as described
in "TCP Tuning Guide" and "TCP tuning" for the modern high-bandwidth and high-latency
WAN. So far, the current Debian default settings serve well even for my LAN connected by
the fast 1G bps FTTP service.

5.9. Netfilter infrastructure

Netfilter provides infrastructure for stateful firewall and network address translation (NAT)
with Linux kernel modules (see Section 3.3.1, “The kernel module initialization”).

Table 5.19. List of firewall tools

packages popcon size description

iptables V:244, I:995 1415 administration tools for netfilter (iptables(8) for IPv4, ip6tables(8) for IPv6)
arptables V:0, I:2 124 administration tools for netfilter (arptables(8) for ARP)
ebtables V:33, I:52 309 administration tools for netfilter (ebtables(8) for Ethernet bridging)
iptstate V:0, I:5 135 continuously monitor netfilter state (similar to top(1))
shorewall-init I:1 103 Shoreline Firewall initialization
shorewall V:8, I:20 2061 Shoreline Firewall, netfilter configuration file generator
shorewall-lite V:0, I:0 121 Shoreline Firewall, netfilter configuration file generator (light version)
shorewall6 V:0, I:2 833 Shoreline Firewall, netfilter configuration file generator (IPv6 version)
shorewall6-lite I:0 119 Shoreline Firewall, netfilter configuration file generator (IPv6, light version)

Main user space program of netfilter is iptables(8). You can manually configure netfilter
interactively from shell, save its state with iptables-save(8), and restore it via init script with
iptables-restore(8) upon system reboot.

Configuration helper scripts such as shorewall ease this process.

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See documentations at http://www.netfilter.org/documentation/ (or in
"/usr/share/doc/iptables/html/").

 Linux Networking-concepts HOWTO

 Linux 2.4 Packet Filtering HOWTO
 Linux 2.4 NAT HOWTO

Tip
Although these were written for Linux 2.4, both iptables(8) command and netfilter
kernel function apply for Linux 2.6 and 3.x kernel series.

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 Self-check 2.2-1

Essay
1. What are the importance of network configuration?

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 Answer Key 2.2-1
Please refer your answers to your trainer.

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 Learning Outcome Summary
Learning Outcome 3: Set route/wifi/wireless/access
point/repeater configuration

Contents
 Client Device systems
 Local area network
 Wide area network
 Security/Firewall/Advance settings

Assessment Criteria

 Client Device systems settings are configured in accordance with manufacturers’

instructions and end-user preferences
 Local area network (LAN) port is configured in accordance with manufacturers’
instructions and network design
 Wide area network (WAN) port is configured in accordance with manufacturers’
instructions and network design
 Wireless settings are configured in accordance manufacturers’ instructions, network
design and end-user preferences
 Security/Firewall/Advance settings are configured in accordance with
manufacturers’ instructions and end-user preferences

Assessment Method
 Written exam
 Practical exam
 Direct observation

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 Information Sheet 2.3-1
Client Device System

A client is a piece of computer hardware or software

that accesses a service made available by a server. The
server is often (but not always) on another computer
system, in which case the client accesses the service by
way of a network. The term applies to programs or
devices that are part of a client–server model.

A client is a computer program that, as part of its

operation, relies on sending a request to another computer program (which may or may not
be located on another computer). For example, web browsers are clients that connect to
web servers and retrieve web pages for display. Email clients retrieve email from mail
servers. Online chat uses a variety of clients, which vary depending on the chat protocol
being used. Multiplayer video games or online video games may run as a client on each
computer. The term "client" may also be applied to computers or devices that run the client
software or users that use the client software.

A client is part of a client–server model, which is still used today. Clients and servers may be
computer programs run on the same machine and connect via inter-process communication
techniques. Combined with Internet sockets, programs may connect to a service operating
on a possibly remote system through the Internet protocol suite. Servers wait for potential
clients to initiate connections that they may accept.

The term was first applied to devices that were not capable of running their own stand-
alone programs, but could interact with remote computers via a network. These dumb
terminals were clients of the time-sharing mainframe computer.

A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that

interconnects computers within a limited area such as a
residence, school, laboratory, or office building. A local area
network is contrasted in principle to a wide area network
(WAN), which covers a larger geographic distance and may
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involve leased telecommunication circuits, while the media for LANs are locally managed.

Ethernet over twisted pair cabling and Wi-Fi are the two most common transmission
technologies in use for local area networks. Historical technologies include ARCNET, Token
Ring, and AppleTalk.

A wide area network (WAN) is a

telecommunications network or computer
network that extends over a large
geographical distance. Wide area
networks often are established with
leased telecommunication circuits.

Business, education and government

entities use wide area networks to relay
data among staff, students, clients,
buyers, and suppliers from various
geographical locations. In essence, this
mode of telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function
regardless of location. The Internet may be considered a WAN.[1]

Related terms for other types of networks are personal area networks (PANs), local area
networks (LANs), campus area networks (CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs)
which are usually limited to a room, building, campus or specific metropolitan area
respectively.

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 Self-Check 2.3-1
What are the differences of WAN and LAN?

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 Answer Key 2.3-1

Please refer your answer to your trainer.

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NOTES:

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