13
Basic Networking
Linux offers the necessary networking tools and features for integration into all types
of network structures. Network access using a network card, modem or other device
can be congured with YaST. Manual conguration is also possible. In this chapter
only the fundamental mechanisms and the relevant network conguration les are
covered.
Linux and other Unix operating systems use the TCP/IP protocol. It is not a single
network protocol, but a family of network protocols that offer various services. The
protocols listed in Table 13.1, “Several Protocols in the TCP/IP Protocol Fami-
ly” (page 224), are provided for the purpose of exchanging data between two machines
via TCP/IP. Networks combined by TCP/IP, comprising a worldwide network, are also
referred to as “the Internet.”
RFC stands for Request for Comments. RFCs are documents that describe various In-
ternet protocols and implementation procedures for the operating system and its appli-
cations. The RFC documents describe the setup of Internet protocols. To expand your
knowledge of any of the protocols, refer to the appropriate RFC documents. These are
available at http://www.ietf.org/rfc.html.
Basic Networking 223
