Modifying the Network Interface Configuration

Modifying the Network Interface Configuration

You do not always need to modify (configure) a station's network interface; in most situations, the default configuration suits the site's needs. Modifying the network interface configuration requires that you modify the /etc/config/netif.options file. You modify this file if

the station has more than two interfaces
you don't like or use the default naming conventions
the default order is incorrect

There are two configurable variables in the netif.options file: interface name and interface address. The interface name variable designates the order (first, second, third, or fourth) and type of interface involved. The interface address variable assigns a valid Internet address to each interface. There must be a valid Internet address for each interface in the /etc/hosts file. Table 3-1 summarizes the interface name and interface address variables.

Variables for the netif.options File
Variable Name Variable Examples
Interface Name ifxname=
where:
x = 1, 2, 3, or 4
name=ec0, et0, enp0, enp1, fxp1, ipg0, ipg1, etc.
if1name=enp0
if2name=ipg0
if3name=enp1
if4name=enp2
Interface Address ifxaddress=
where:
x = 1, 2, 3, or 4
address=$HOSTNAME, station name, or Internet address
if1address=$HOSTNAME
if2address=fddi-$HOSTNAME
if3address=gate-goofy
if4address=192.30.28.2

Variables for the netif.options File
Variable Name	Variable	Examples
Interface Name	ifxname= where: x = 1, 2, 3, or 4 name=ec0, et0, enp0, enp1, fxp1, ipg0, ipg1, etc.	if1name=enp0 if2name=ipg0 if3name=enp1 if4name=enp2
Interface Address	ifxaddress= where: x = 1, 2, 3, or 4 address=$HOSTNAME, station name, or Internet address	if1address=$HOSTNAME if2address=fddi-$HOSTNAME if3address=gate-goofy if4address=192.30.28.2

You can modify either or both variables. Instructions for modifying both variables are provided below.

Modifying the Interface Name
Modifying the Interface Address