How to Configure a Static IP Address on Fedora

Edited 8 hours ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

FedoraStatic IPNetwork ConfigurationEthernetWi-FiCommand LineTerminalSystem AdministrationConfigurationComputers

In the world of networking, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are crucial for communication between devices. In Fedora, configuring a static IP address can increase the reliability of network services, such as web hosting or file servers, that require constant network connectivity. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on configuring a static IP address on the Fedora Linux distribution.

Configuring a static IP ensures that your device maintains the same IP address on the local network even if it is restarted, preventing disruptions in network communications. Here's how to effectively configure a static IP address step-by-step.

Prerequisites

Before you proceed with the configuration process, make sure you have the following:

• A working installation of Fedora.
• Access to the terminal with a user who has administrative privileges.
• Basic understanding of network concepts.
• Network details including desired static IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers.

Step 1: Identify the network interface

Start by identifying your network interfaces. This information helps you understand which network interface you need to configure. To list all network interfaces, use the following command:

ip a

This command will display all network interfaces and their current IP configuration. Look for interface names like eth0, ens33, or wlp2s0.

Step 2: Install the required tools (if needed)

Fedora uses NetworkManager to manage network settings. By default, it is installed. However, you can verify its presence or install it using:

sudo dnf install NetworkManager

Make sure NetworkManager is running:

sudo systemctl start NetworkManager
sudo systemctl enable NetworkManager

Step 3: Configure static IP using nmcli

Fedora provides nmcli tool, a command-line client for NetworkManager, to configure network interfaces. Follow these steps:

1. Identify the network connection you want to configure. Use:

   nmcli connection show

   This displays all existing connections. Note the name of the connection associated with the interface you identified earlier.

2. Modify the connection to use a static IP address. Assuming your connection name is "Wired connection 1", you want to set the IP to 192.168.1.100, the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 (often written as /24) and the gateway to 192.168.1.1. Use:

   sudo nmcli connection modify "Wired connection 1" ipv4.addresses 192.168.1.100/24 ipv4.gateway 192.168.1.1 ipv4.dns 8.8.8.8 ipv4.method manual

   This sets the desired static IP address, gateway and DNS server, which in this case is Google’s public DNS 8.8.8.8.

3. Reactivate the network connection to apply the changes:

   sudo nmcli connection up "Wired connection 1"

   This command restarts the connection, applying the static IP settings you configured.

Step 4: Verify the configuration

After configuring a static IP, it is important to verify that it is set up correctly. Check the current IP configuration of the interface by using the following:

ip a

Make sure the IP address displayed matches the one you set. You can also test connectivity via a ping test to your gateway or another known IP address:

ping -c 4 192.168.1.1

If you receive responses, your static IP setup is functional.

Step 5: Configure static IP using GUI (alternative method)

Fedora provides a graphical user interface (GUI) as an alternative to the command-line method. Here's how you can set up a static IP using the GUI:

1. Open Settings and go to the Network section.
2. Select the connection you want to modify, then click the gear icon next to it.
3. Under the IPv4 section, toggle on Manual, and enter the desired IP information including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
4. Under DNS, enter the DNS server addresses.
5. Save the changes and reconnect to apply the new settings.

Troubleshooting tips

If you experience problems with static IP setup, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• To avoid address conflict issues, ensure that no IP address conflicts exist on the network. Check that the static IP is not assigned to any other device.
• In case of a wired connection, verify that the network cables are properly connected.
• Make sure the correct interface is selected for the configuration with the correct connection name.
• Reboot the system to avoid temporary network glitches.

Conclusion

Configuring a static IP address on Fedora is a straightforward, yet powerful task that can increase the reliability and predictability of network services. By following this guide, you can ensure consistent network performance and prevent unnecessary network problems caused by dynamic IP changes.

Whether using nmcli for a command-line approach or navigating through a GUI, Fedora provides flexible tools to effectively manage network settings. Understanding these methods gives you greater control over network configuration, meeting the needs of both personal and business environments.

In addition, the skill to diagnose and troubleshoot network settings ensures that you can quickly resolve any connectivity challenges that may arise while using Fedora.

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