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How to List Network Interfaces on Ubuntu Linux

Richard
Written by
Richard
Jul 5, 2023 Updated Mar 19, 2026 2 min read
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You list network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux using command-line tools like ip link show.

Network interfaces are the hardware components, such as your Wi-Fi adapter or Ethernet port, that enable your PC to connect to networks.

Knowing how to view these interfaces is crucial for troubleshooting connection issues. For instance, on Ubuntu 22.04 and newer versions, ip link show is the primary command.

You can also use nmcli device status for a quick summary of connected devices.

If you need to see IP address details, the ip addr show command is very useful.

⚡ Quick Answer

You can list network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux using command-line tools. Run `ip link show` for a modern view, `nmcli device status` for a quick overview, or `ip addr show` for IP details.

Show network interfaces using the IP command

You can see your network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux without installing anything extra using the IP command.

Run the commands below to see your network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux.

💻Code
ip link show

Show network interfaces using the network manager

You can also use the network manager to display your network interfaces. Here’s how to do it:

Run the commands below to do that.

💻Code
nmcli device status

Show network interfaces using netstat

The netstat command is another option for displaying network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux. To use it, run the commands below:

Command Prompt
netstat -i

Display network interface using the ifconfig command

You can display network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux using the ifconfig command, though it’s no longer installed by default and you’ll need to install it first.

To view more detailed information about a specific network interface, you can use the command “ifconfig <interface name>” or “ip addr show <interface name>.”

Command Prompt
ipconfig

List network interfaces

To list network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux, you can check the network interfaces folder directly using the command `ls /sys/class/net/`.

🐧Bash / Shell
ls /sys/class/net/

There might be other commands that are not listed here. However, these should get you started by displaying and listing the network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux.

Conclusion:

  • Multiple commands can be used to list network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux, providing varying levels of detail
  • Popular commands include “ip link show”, “nmcli device status”, “ip addr show”, and “netstat -i”
  • The “ifconfig” command, previously installed by default, now requires the “net-tools” package
  • Detailed information about specific network interfaces can be obtained using specific commands such as “ifconfig <interface name>” or “ip addr show <interface name>”
  • Another method is to list the content of the network interfaces folder using “ls /sys/class/net/”
  • These commands and methods serve as a starting point to display and list network interfaces on Ubuntu Linux

Where are the network interfaces in Ubuntu?

The /etc/network/interfaces file contains network interface configuration information for the both Ubuntu and Debian Linux. This is where you configure how your system is connected to the network. You can set up static/DHCP ip settings, routing, DNS and much more.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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