Network Utilities with Ubuntu

Below are a few network-based utilities available with Ubuntu.  The screen captures below are from Ubuntu version 10.04.  The wget command allows HTTP access via a terminal prompt.

ubuntu_network_tools_1

The tracepath command is similar to traceroute, but does not require root privileges.  The command attempts to trace the “hops” to the destination specified.

ubuntu_network_tools_2

The mtr command attempts to combine ping and tracepath.  It shows the ping times for each “hop”.

ubuntu_network_tools_3

The host command performs DNS lookups.

ubuntu_network_tools_9

The dig command can be used for DNS lookups as well.

ubuntu_network_tools_11

The whois command displays the whois records for the domain in question.

ubuntu_network_tools_4

The ifplugstatus command will display if a network cable is plugged into an interface.  It is not installed by default with Ubuntu, but the command sudo apt-get ifplugd should install it.  The text “link beat detected” means a connection is present.

ubuntu_network_tools_5

The ifconfig command will display information for all network interfaces, including IP addresses and MAC addresses.

ubuntu_network_tools_6

The dhclient command will release and renew a DHCP lease.  The –r parameter will release the current IP address.

ubuntu_network_tools_7

The netstat command will display general information interface statistics.  The –p parameter will display the programs associated with open sockets.

ubuntu_network_tools_8

The command netstat –na | grep –i listen will display the network listening ports.

ubuntu_network_tools_10