Cross Platform Networking Commands

Understanding Networking Commands

Networking commands via the Command-Line Interface (CLI) allow IT professionals to effectively diagnose, troubleshoot, and manage network connections by offering detailed insights and real-time control over network environments.

1. Displaying Network Configuration

Quickly retrieving network interface configurations and IP details to address network connectivity and configuration issues promptly.

Windows:
ipconfig /all
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns




      

Linux:
ifconfig
ip a
sudo dhclient -r
sudo dhclient
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Scenarios for use: IP acquisition issues, outdated DNS cache.

2. ARP Table Inspection

Inspecting ARP tables to correlate IP addresses with MAC addresses.

arp -a

Benefits: Identify devices, troubleshoot connectivity, detect unauthorized devices.

3. Domain Name Resolution (DNS Lookup)

Resolving domain names to IP addresses for verifying DNS records.

Windows:
nslookup example.com
nslookup -type=mx example.com
nslookup -type=ns example.com





Linux:
host google.com
host -t MX example.com
host -t NS example.com
dig example.com
dig MX example.com
dig NS example.com






Troubleshooting scenarios: DNS misconfigurations, email delivery issues.

4. Network Statistics and Active Connections

Monitoring current connections and ports.

Windows:
netstat -a
netstat -an
netstat -b






Linux:
netstat -an
ss -tuln




Applicable scenarios: Unauthorized connections, port conflicts

5. Ping

Testing connectivity and measuring latency.

Windows:
ping example.com
ping -n 10 example.com
ping -t example.com
ping -l 1500 example.com





    

Linux:
ping -c 4 example.com
ping -i 0.5 example.com
ping -s 100 example.com
ping -M do -s 1472 example.com

6. Trace Routing

Systematically analyzing the route network packets take.

Windows:
tracert google.com

    

Linux:
traceroute example.com




Scenarios for use: Slow connectivity, network outages

7. Pathping

Comprehensive analysis of latency and packet loss.

Windows:
pathping example.com


    

Linux (using MTR):
mtr example.com

Additional Useful Commands

Route (View routing tables):

Windows:
route print


      

Linux:
route -n
ip route

Hostname (View or change hostname):

Windows:
hostname



Linux:
hostname
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-hostname

Mastering these networking commands significantly empowers IT professionals to diagnose, troubleshoot, and optimize network environments. This guide provided practical usage and scenarios for each command, delivering crucial insights into network performance and maintenance.

Cross-Platform Networking Command-Line Skills: A Practical Tutorial