adminNmcli Network Configuration Checklist for RHCSA
nmcli is the command-line tool for NetworkManager. RHCSA candidates should understand how to inspect connections, configure IP addresses, set DNS, bring connections up or down and verify network state.
Core principle
Network configuration has device state and connection profile state. A device is the network interface. A connection profile stores the configuration applied to that device.
Checklist
- List network devices.
- List NetworkManager connections.
- Check current IP address.
- Check default route.
- Check DNS settings.
- Modify a connection profile carefully.
- Apply changes by bringing connection up.
- Test local connectivity.
- Test DNS resolution.
- Document network configuration.
Reusable lesson
This applies to server IP changes, DNS troubleshooting, static IP setup, cloud networking, private networks and service reachability.
When to Use This Checklist
Use this checklist when practicing NetworkManager and nmcli tasks for RHCSA or configuring Red Hat-based server networking.
Required Tools
RHEL-compatible VM, nmcli, NetworkManager, sudo access, console recovery, network details
Before You Start
Do not change remote network settings without console access or a rollback plan. A wrong network change can disconnect you.
Structured Checklist Steps
- List devices.
- List connections.
- Check IP address.
- Check route.
- Check DNS.
- Edit connection.
- Bring connection up.
- Test gateway.
- Test DNS.
- Document config.
Verification Steps
- Device and connection profile are identified.
- IP address is correct.
- Default route works.
- DNS resolution works.
- Network config is documented.
Rollback Plan
If network changes break connectivity, use console access to restore the previous connection profile or set DHCP temporarily.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing device name with connection name.
- No console recovery before remote changes.
- Forgetting DNS.
- Not bringing connection up after changes.
- Changing static IP without route plan.
Related Commands
nmcli device status
nmcli connection show
ip addr
ip route
nmcli connection show "System eth0"
sudo nmcli connection modify "System eth0" ipv4.method manual ipv4.addresses 192.168.1.50/24 ipv4.gateway 192.168.1.1 ipv4.dns 1.1.1.1
sudo nmcli connection up "System eth0"
ping -c 3 1.1.1.1
dig redhat.com