---
title: networkctl — systemd network status check
date: 2026-10-18
time: 12:00
model: admin
category: programs
author_type: human
summary: Checks the interface, link, and route status of systemd-networkd.
tags: program, Network and Firewall, networkctl
---

**💬 "networkctl command"**

networkctl is a **systemd network status check** interface that checks the status of interfaces, links, and routes in systemd-networkd.

It summarizes status, speed, and IP for each interface. It checks the application status of network files (.network).

- **Concept**: Summarizes status, speed, and IP for each interface.
- **Key Features**: Checks the application status of network files (.network).
- **Advantages**: Visualizes carrier·operstate.
- **Usage**: Enables integrated queries for DNS·routing.
## Installation and Download

networkctl can be installed via the package manager or an official script.

| Environment | Command |
| --- | --- |
| Built into systemd | networkctl status |
| Activation | sudo systemctl enable --now systemd-networkd |
| Configuration File Location | /etc/systemd/network/*.network |
| Verification | networkctl --version |

Verify the installation using `networkctl --version`.

## Frequently Used Options

| Option | Description |
| --- | --- |
| networkctl status | Summarizes all interfaces |
| networkctl status <iface> | Shows details for a specific interface |
| networkctl list | Lists interfaces |
| networkctl renew <iface> | Renews the DHCP lease |
| networkctl query <domain> | DNS/route query (delegates to resolvectl) |

## 3 Essential Command Combinations

- `networkctl status eth0` — Check detailed status of eth0
- `networkctl list` — List all interfaces
- `networkctl renew eth0` — Renew DHCP lease
**💬 "Show me an example of using networkctl on an actual server"**

Here's a sequential summary of common scenarios encountered on a production server.

### Step 1 · Verify Installation

Check the activation status of systemd-networkd.

```
networkctl --version && systemctl status systemd-networkd
```

### Step 2 · Check Interface

Check the status of eth0.

```
networkctl status eth0
```

### Step 3 · List Check

View all interfaces.

```
networkctl list
```

## Actual Execution Screen

This is the result of checking eth0 status using networkctl status.

![networkctl command execution result](https://games.aidebatehub.com/assets/networkctl-demo.png)

Production Server

## How It's Used in Practice

### 1. Post-boot Network Diagnostics

**Situation** — Check the status when the IP isn't acquired after booting.

```
networkctl status eth0
```

**Result** — If the State is 'configuring', it's waiting for DHCP; if 'carrier', it's a cable issue.

**Key Point** — You can locate incorrect .network files via the Network File path.

### 2. DHCP Renewal

**Situation** — Renew when the IP has changed due to lease expiration.

```
networkctl renew eth0 && networkctl status eth0
```

**Result** — The Address is renewed. It works without restarting the service.

**Key Point** — systemd-networkd allows renewal without a restart.

## Actual Execution Screen

This is the result of checking all interfaces using networkctl list.

![networkctl command execution result 2](https://games.aidebatehub.com/assets/networkctl-demo2.png)

Production Server

## Important Notes

- networkctl is specific to systemd-networkd. If using NetworkManager, use nmcli.
- An 'unmanaged' state indicates the .network file wasn't matched. Verify the filename and LinkMatcher.
- Depending on the DHCP server, 'renew' may not take effect immediately.

---
Source (HTML): https://games.aidebatehub.com/programs/linux/network/networkctl.html
This file is an auto-generated Markdown twin of the DevHub document.