Lab Activity
Module 8: Essential System Service
Learn to configure, test, and secure Linux network services using core commands, diagnostic tools, and basic firewall management.
Overview
This lab covers how Linux systems connect, communicate, and stay secure on a network. You'll work with essential networking tools to view and configure interfaces, test connectivity, trace routes, inspect DNS resolution, and secure your system using firewall rules. The goal is to give you a working understanding of how networking operates under the hood - from packet routing to service accessibility - and how to troubleshoot when something breaks.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lab, you'll be able to:
- Identify and configure network interfaces using
ipandifconfig. - Test network reachability and latency with
ping,traceroute, andmtr. - Examine routing tables, gateways, and ARP entries.
- Perform DNS lookups and troubleshoot name resolution using
nslookup,dig, andhost. - View active network connections and open ports with
ss,netstat, andlsof. - Configure and manage firewall rules using
iptablesandufw. - Diagnose connectivity issues and verify system-level network configurations.
Key Concepts
- Network Interfaces: Devices that connect a system to other networks or hosts.
- IP Configuration: Assigning and inspecting IP addresses, gateways, and subnet masks.
- Routing: How packets travel from the local host to remote networks.
- DNS Resolution: Translating domain names into IP addresses for connectivity.
- Connectivity Testing: Tools and methods to identify where communication fails.
- Firewall and Security: Restricting unwanted access while allowing legitimate traffic.
Why It Matters
- Networking is the backbone of every Linux environment - servers, containers, or clouds.
- Proper configuration ensures your systems can communicate efficiently and securely.
- Troubleshooting tools help you isolate problems quickly, saving hours of downtime.
- Understanding firewalls and routing strengthens your system's defense against attacks.
- These skills directly map to real-world sysadmin, DevOps, and security operations work.