Description: Netplan is a utility for configuring networks on Linux systems, allowing users to define network interfaces in YAML format. This tool was introduced to simplify network configuration in modern Linux distributions, especially in Ubuntu starting from version 17.10. Netplan enables system administrators to describe the network configuration declaratively, meaning users can specify the desired state of the network rather than detailing the steps needed to achieve it. This results in clearer configurations that are less prone to errors. Netplan integrates with the Linux networking system and can generate configurations for different backends, such as NetworkManager and systemd-networkd, giving it flexibility in use. Its YAML-based format is readable and easy to modify, facilitating the management of complex configurations. Additionally, Netplan allows for the configuration of multiple network interfaces, VLANs, and integration with advanced networking services, making it a powerful tool for network administration in various environments. Its adoption has grown in the field of system administration, where network management is crucial for system performance and connectivity.
History: Netplan was introduced by Canonical in 2017 as part of Ubuntu 17.10, aiming to modernize and simplify network configuration in Linux. Before Netplan, network configurations in Linux were primarily done through ifupdown configuration files, which could be complicated and error-prone. The need for a more intuitive and flexible tool led to the development of Netplan, which uses a more readable YAML format and allows for more declarative configuration. Since its release, Netplan has been adopted by other Linux distributions looking to enhance the network configuration experience.
Uses: Netplan is primarily used for network configuration on Linux systems, allowing administrators to define network interfaces, IP addresses, routes, and other network parameters in a straightforward and clear manner. It is especially useful in server environments where network configuration can be complex and requires efficient management. Additionally, its integration with backends like NetworkManager and systemd-networkd allows users to choose the network management method that best suits their needs.
Examples: A practical example of using Netplan is configuring a static network interface on a Linux server. An administrator can create a YAML file in /etc/netplan/ where they define the interface, IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Then, by applying the configuration with the ‘netplan apply’ command, the interface is automatically configured according to the specifications. Another case is configuring VLANs, where a virtual interface can be defined over a physical interface, facilitating network segmentation.
