Linux IP Address Change Guide

Do you want to learn how to change IP address in Linux operating system? In this comprehensive guide, we explain step by step how you can change your IP address using various methods.

Linux IP Address Change Methods: The Basics

IP address is the identity of a device on the network and often needs to be changed by network administrators or users. IP address change in Linux can be done using various tools and methods. In this article, you will discover different ways to change IP address in Linux.

Before understanding IP address change methods, it is important to understand the types of IP addresses and what they mean:

• Static IP Address: It is a fixed IP address that does not change. It is usually used for servers and other important devices.
• Dynamic IP Address: It is automatically assigned by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and can change over time.

Changing IP Address with Command Line: Step by Step Guide

Command line is a powerful tool for Linux users. To change the IP address using the command line, you can follow the steps below:

1. Check the Current IP Address: Open a terminal and use the following command to see the current IP address:

   ip a

2. Change the IP Address: You can use the following command to change the IP address:

   sudo ip addr add [new_ip_address]/[subnet_mask] dev [network_interface]

   Example:

   sudo ip addr add 192.168.1.100/24 ​​dev eth0

3. Remove the Old IP Address: To remove the old IP address, use the following command:

   sudo ip addr del [old_ip_address]/[subnet_mask] dev [network_interface]

   Example:

   sudo ip addr del 192.168.1.10/24 dev eth0

4. Checking Changes: Use the following command again to check if the IP address has changed successfully:

   ip a

Changing IP Address Using Netplan

Netplan is a tool used to manage network configuration in Ubuntu and some other Linux distributions. To change the IP address using Netplan, follow these steps:

1. Editing the Configuration File: Open the Netplan configuration file with the following command:

   sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml

2. Changing the IP Address: Edit the contents of the file to specify your new IP address. Sample file content:

    
   network: 
   version: 2 
   ethernets: 
   eth0: 
   dhcp4: no 
   addresses: 
   - 192.168.1.100/24 ​​
   gateway4: 192.168.1.1 
   nameservers: 
   addresses: [8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4] 
   

3. Apply Changes: Use the following command to apply the changes:

   sudo netplan apply

4. Check IP Address: Use the following command to check your IP address:

   ip a

Changing IP Address with NetworkManager: Management from a Graphical Interface

NetworkManager provides Linux users with a graphical interface to manage network connections. To change the IP address using NetworkManager, follow these steps:

1. Open Network Connections: Click the network icon in the system tray and select "Network Settings".
2. Edit a Connection: Select the network connection you want to change and click "Edit Connection".
3. Change IPv4 Settings: Go to the IPv4 tab and select "Manual". Then enter the new IP address, netmask, and gateway.
4. Set DNS Servers: Optionally, you can specify the DNS servers manually.
5. Save Changes: Save the changes and exit. To check if your new IP address is active:

   ip a

Differences Between Static and Dynamic IP Addresses and How to Change Them

IP addresses generally come in two types: static and dynamic. A static IP address is manually assigned to your device and does not change. A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned by the DHCP server and can change over time.

Advantages of using a static IP address:

• It is important for devices on the network to always have the same IP address, especially for servers.
• It makes remote access and management easier.

Advantages of using a dynamic IP address:

• It reduces the burden of manually managing IP addresses for the network administrator.
• It prevents IP address conflicts on the network.

You can use any of the methods mentioned above to change a static IP address. If you are using a dynamic IP address, you can get a new IP address by restarting the DHCP server or restarting your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my network connection is lost after changing the IP address?

If the connection is lost after changing the IP address, you can restore the old IP address or reconfigure the network settings. You can also try restarting your network hardware.

2. When should I use a static IP address?

A static IP address is suitable for servers, printers, and other devices that need to be accessed constantly on the network. Using a static IP address allows these devices to always have the same IP address.

3. What are the disadvantages of using a dynamic IP address?

The disadvantages of using a dynamic IP address include that the IP address changes over time, which can cause problems with remote access or applications that require a fixed IP.

4. Is it safe to change the IP address using the command line?

Changing the IP address using the command line is a safe method, but you should be careful. Incorrect commands can disconnect your network connection. Make sure you type the commands carefully.

In this guide, we have explained in detail how to change the IP address on Linux. You can easily change your IP address by choosing the method that suits your needs.