Oracle Linux: Understanding Network Interface Naming - ifcfg-XXX: DEVICE, NAME and UUID (Doc ID 2891121.1)

Last updated on DECEMBER 01, 2024

Applies to:

Goal

This note is to explain what "UUID" and "NAME" are in network adapter's "/etc/sysconfig/network-screipts/ifcfg-<Device Name>" and how to use them on Oracle Linux.
Network adapter naming can vary depending on several factors, such as hardware, Oracle Linux release, kernel version, use of "/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-<Device Name>" service to manage interfaces, etc.
Often, the terms "DEVICE" and  "NAME" are used interchangeably to describe network adapters, however, they are separate attributes that serve different purposes.
This document defines the terms "DEVICE",  "NAME" and  "UUID"  as used within network adapter configuration files "/etc/sysconfig/network-screipts/ifcfg-<Device Name>" and their use on Oracle Linux.

Solution

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