What are alternatives to ifconfig vs ip command?

When managing network interfaces in Linux, while ifconfig and ip are the most commonly used commands, there are several alternatives available that can provide similar functionality. Here are a few alternatives:

  • iproute2: This is essentially what the ip command is part of, and it can manage more than just interfaces; it can handle routing, tunnels, and more.
  • nmcli: This is the command-line interface for NetworkManager, allowing you to manage network connections, including wired and wireless interfaces.
  • ifup/ifdown: These scripts can bring interfaces up or down defined in the system's network configuration files.
  • netstat: While primarily a utility for network statistics, it can also show active interfaces and their statuses.

Linux networking alternatives to ifconfig ip command network interface management