Configure Static IP Address on Ubuntu with Netplan
· 8 min read
This comprehensive guide explains how to configure a static IP address on Ubuntu using the netplan configuration system. Setting a static IP is essential for servers, network devices, or any system that requires a consistent network address for reliable connectivity.
Overview
Static IP addresses provide several advantages over dynamic IP assignment:
- Consistent Network Identity: Same IP address after reboots and network changes
- Server Applications: Essential for hosting services that clients need to find
- Network Management: Easier to manage firewall rules and network policies
- Remote Access: Reliable SSH and remote desktop connections
- Port Forwarding: Stable configuration for router port forwarding rules
Prerequisites
- Ubuntu system with network connectivity
- Administrative (sudo) privileges
- Basic understanding of network concepts (IP, subnet, gateway)
- Access to your network's configuration details
Understanding Netplan
Ubuntu uses netplan as the default network configuration system since Ubuntu 18.04. Netplan:
- Uses YAML configuration files for network settings
- Supports both NetworkManager and systemd-networkd as backends
- Provides a unified configuration approach across Ubuntu systems
- Validates configuration before applying changes