The Ultimate Guide to Linux Networking Commands and Scripts

If you’ve ever tried testing network throughput from the command line, you know how frustrating it can be to forget the exact tools you’ve used before. Commands like iperf3, nmap, and netcat are powerful, but it’s easy to lose track of them. That’s why I created a comprehensive, go-to list of Linux networking commands and scripts—a living reference for sysadmins, DevOps engineers, and power users.

Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity, monitoring bandwidth, or securing a server, this guide covers the essential commands, scripts, and concepts every Linux user should know.

Linux Networking Commands and Scripts

Below is an evolving list of Linux networking tools, each invaluable for monitoring, troubleshooting, or managing networks:

1. aria2 – downloading just about everything. Torrents included.
2. arpwatch – Ethernet Activity Monitor.
3. bmon – bandwidth monitor and rate estimator.
4. bwm-ng – live network bandwidth monitor.
5. curl – transferring data with URLs. (or try httpie)
6. darkstat – captures network traffic, usage statistics.
7. dhclient – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Client
8. dig – query DNS servers for information and obtain various types of DNS records.
9. dstat – replacement for vmstat, iostat, mpstat, netstat and ifstat.
10. ethtool – utility for controlling network drivers and hardware.
11. gated – gateway routing daemon.
12. host – DNS lookup utility.
13. hping – TCP/IP packet assembler/analyzer.
14. ibmonitor – shows bandwidth and total data transferred.
15. ifstat –  report network interfaces bandwidth.
16. iftop – display bandwidth usage.
17. ifconfig command – manage network interfaces, display information, and configure settings.
18. ip (PDF file) – a command with more features that ifconfig (net-tools).
19. iperf3 – network bandwidth measurement tool. (above screenshot Stacklinux VPS)
20. iproute2 – collection of utilities for controlling TCP/IP.
21. iptables – take control of network traffic.
22. IPTraf – An IP Network Monitor.
23. iputils – set of small useful utilities for Linux networking.
24. iw – a new nl80211 based CLI configuration utility for wireless devices.
25. jwhois – client for the whois service.
26. “lsof -i” – reveal information about your network sockets.
27. mtr – network diagnostic tool.
28. net-tools – utilities include: arp, hostname, ifconfig, netstat, rarp, route, plipconfig, slattach, mii-tool, iptunnel and ipmaddr.
29. ncat – improved re-implementation of the venerable netcat.
30. netcat – networking utility for reading/writing network connections.
31. nethogs – a small ‘net top’ tool.
32. Netperf – Network bandwidth testing.
33. netplan – Netplan is a utility for easily configuring networking on a Linux system.
34. netsniff-ng – Swiss army knife for daily Linux network plumbing.
35. netstat command – provides network statistics, routing tables, and connection information. Part of net-tools, largely replaced by ‘ss‘.
36. netwatch – monitoring Network Connections.
37. ngrep – grep applied to the network layer.
38. nload – display network usage.
39. nmap – network discovery and security auditing.
40. nmcli – a command-line tool for controlling NetworkManager and reporting network status.
41. nmtui – provides a text interface to configure networking by controlling NetworkManager.
42. nslookup – query Internet name servers interactively.
43. ping – send ICMP echo_request to network hosts.
44. route – show / manipulate the IP routing table.
45. slurm – network load monitor.
46. snort – Network Intrusion Detection and Prevention System.
47. smokeping –  keeps track of your network latency.
48. socat – establishes two bidirectional byte streams and transfers data between them.
49. speedometer – Measure and display the rate of data across a network.
50. speedtest-cli – test internet bandwidth using speedtest.net
51. ss – utility to investigate sockets.
52. ssh –  secure system administration and file transfers over insecure networks.
53. tcpdump – command-line packet analyzer.
54. tcptrack – Displays information about TCP connections on a network interface.
55. telnet – user interface to the TELNET protocol.
56. tracepath – very similar function to traceroute.
57. traceroute – print the route packets trace to network host.
58. vnStat – network traffic monitor.
59. websocat – Connection forwarder from/to web sockets to/from usual sockets, in style of socat.
60. wget –  retrieving files using HTTP, HTTPS, FTP and FTPS.
61. Wireless Tools for Linux – includes iwconfig, iwlist, iwspy, iwpriv and ifrename.
62. Wireshark – network protocol analyzer.

This list is continuously updated as new tools and scripts emerge.

Network Fundamentals

Understanding networking basics is essential before diving into Linux commands:

• Protocols – TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and others define rules for reliable data transmission.
• Topologies – Physical and logical layouts such as star, bus, and ring.
• Devices – Routers, switches, firewalls, and NICs manage traffic.
• Media – Copper, fiber, and wireless signals determine speed and reliability.

This foundation helps you configure, monitor, and troubleshoot networks effectively.

Network Connectivity

Devices need reliable connectivity to communicate:

• Wired Connections – Ethernet offers speed and stability.
• Wireless Connections – Wi-Fi enables mobility and flexibility.
• VPNs – Secure remote connections over public networks.

Connectivity enables internet access, file sharing, and real-time communication. Proper setup ensures efficiency and security.

IP Addresses and DNS

IP addresses and DNS make networking functional:

• IP Addresses – Unique identifiers for devices (IPv4/IPv6).
• DNS – Translates human-readable domains into IP addresses.

Without DNS and IP, devices can’t find or communicate with each other effectively.

Network Information and Stats

Monitoring network health is crucial:

• Traffic – How much data moves across the network.
• Latency – Delay between sending and receiving data.
• Packet Loss – Indicates errors or congestion.
• Throughput – Rate of successful data transfer.

Tracking these metrics allows admins to detect and resolve issues quickly.

Essential Linux Network Commands

Some commands you should master for Linux networking:

• ifconfig / ip – Interface configuration and management.
• ping – Test connectivity and measure latency.
• traceroute – Trace network paths to identify bottlenecks.
• netstat / ss – Inspect active connections and routing tables.
• tcpdump / Wireshark – Capture and analyze network packets.
• iptables – Manage firewall rules.
• nmap – Scan networks for hosts, ports, and vulnerabilities.
• iperf3 / Netperf – Test throughput between hosts.

Mastering these commands allows for precise network troubleshooting and administration.

Security Considerations

Securing your network is as important as monitoring it:

• Firewalls – Control traffic between trusted and untrusted networks.
• Encryption – Protect data during transmission.
• Access Control – Restrict network resources to authorized users.
• Intrusion Detection / Prevention (IDPS) – Monitor and prevent malicious activity.

Strong security practices protect both data and system integrity.

Final Thoughts

This guide compiles essential Linux networking commands and scripts for sysadmins, DevOps engineers, and power users. From monitoring bandwidth with bmon and nload, testing throughput with iperf3, to securing connections with iptables and snort, these tools cover everything needed to manage, troubleshoot, and protect a Linux network.

Keep this list handy as a living reference. Share your favorite scripts or lesser-known tools—you might discover something that improves your workflow. Networking on Linux has never been more versatile or powerful.