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How to set up static IP on Ubuntu configuration via Netplan

Did you know that Netplan simplifies network configuration using YAML-based syntax?

It makes it easy to set up and modify network settings. Additionally, it lets us manage network interfaces through networkd (primarily for servers) or NetworkManager (for GUI-based systems).

Today, we are going to take a close look at Netplan’s structure and how to configure a static IP address on Ubuntu.

An Overview:

• Understanding Netplan Configuration
• How to Choose Between DHCP and Static IP Address
• Benefits of Configuring a Static IP Address
• Configuring a Static IP Address with Netplan
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• How to Automate Static IP Configuration for Multiple Systems

Understanding Netplan Configuration

Netplan’s configuration files are located in /etc/netplan/ and typically include:

• 01-netcfg.yaml
• 01-network-manager-all.yaml
• 50-cloud-init.yaml

The default renderer for Netplan is specified as networkd or NetworkManager, depending on our Ubuntu setup. To confirm or generate a new Netplan configuration file:

sudo netplan generate

How to Choose Between DHCP and Static IP Address

Netplan lets us configure:

• DHCP: Automatically assigns an IP address from the router.
• Static IP: Manually assigns a fixed IP address to ensure consistent connectivity.

Benefits of Configuring a Static IP Address

Configuring a static IP address offers several advantages, especially in environments that require consistent network communication:

• A static IP ensures that the device retains the same IP address, making it easier to locate within the network.
• Systems with static IPs can be accessed more reliably for remote administration or SSH connections.
• Static IPs let us set up custom DNS entries, streamlining name resolution in the network.
• Dynamic IP addresses can lead to reassignment issues; static IPs eliminate this risk, ensuring uninterrupted network services.
• Servers hosting websites, databases, or other critical applications benefit from a stable IP for consistent client connections.
• Static IP addressing is particularly useful in enterprise setups, IoT deployments, and when integrating firewalls or VPNs that rely on consistent IPs for authentication.

Configuring a Static IP Address with Netplan

1. First, identify the Netplan configuration file with this command:

   ls /etc/netplan/
2. Then, open the configurations file:

   sudo nano /etc/netplan/CONFIGFILENAME
3. Next, update the configuration file to include the following changes:
   • Disable DHCP:

     dhcp4: no
   • Assign a Static IP:

     addresses: [192.168.0.123/24]

     Replace 192.168.0.123 with the desired IP.
   • Set the Gateway:

     gateway4: 192.168.1.1
   • Define DNS Servers:

     nameservers:
addresses: [1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8]
Example configuration:
network:
version: 2
renderer: networkd
ethernets:
enp0s3:
dhcp4: no
addresses: [192.168.0.123/24]
gateway4: 192.168.1.1
nameservers:
addresses: [1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8]


After saving the changes, we can apply the new configuration with this command:

sudo netplan apply

In case the changes don’t take effect, reboot the system:

sudo reboot

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Ensure the router allows the specified static IP.
• Check for typos or indentation issues in the YAML file.
• Revert to DHCP by resetting “dhcp4: yes” in the configuration file and reapplying changes.

How to Automate Static IP Configuration for Multiple Systems

Managing static IP addresses across multiple systems can be simplified with automation:

• Tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef can deploy static IP configurations to multiple devices with minimal effort.
• Create reusable Netplan YAML templates that define static IP settings and apply them to multiple systems.
• Write scripts to automate file generation and apply configurations using netplan apply on each target machine.
• Automate both system installation and static IP configuration during the boot process using pre-seeded scripts.
• Store Netplan configurations in version control systems (e.g., Git) to ensure consistency and rollback options.

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Conclusion

Netplan’s YAML-based syntax simplifies static IP configuration on Ubuntu. By following these steps, we can set a static IP address to ensure consistent network connectivity. With its flexibility and integration with modern Ubuntu systems, Netplan is a powerful tool for network management.

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to set up static IP on Ubuntu configuration via Netplan