Linode’s Network Helper Smartly Delivers Automatic Configuration
Previously on any Linode, if you only used a single IP address assigned via DHCP, you were fine and ready to go; no configuration needed. However, once you desired multiple IPv4 addresses, you were required to set up static networking by changing configuration files to determine which IP addresses to use on boot.
The issue with setting up static networking is that configuration instructions differ between each operating system, and some are more difficult than others.
Linode’s aptly named Network Helper service makes this configuration — well — just work. It’s really that simple. When enabled, the Network Helper will detect your operating system, know what IP addresses you should have according to your Linode Manager, and ensure that your static networking is set up correctly each time.
Although Network Helper is disabled by default, it is very simple to turn on. From the Linode Manager Dashboard, edit the configuration file you plan to use. Scroll to the very bottom of the page, and you’ll see an option called “Auto-configure Networking.” Switch this to “yes” and save the changes. Then, if your Linode was running while making this change, reboot it.
That’s it! Your networking will now be handled on our end and you’ll never have to worry about it again.
This is particularly useful if you had static networking set up manually and switched datacenters, thus getting a new IP address. Instead of having to go in via LISH to change your networking to the new IP, our Network Helper will do it for you. Ever since Network Helper’s release, I haven’t needed to edit the networking details on any of my Linodes!
You can learn more about Linode’s Network Helper feature on our Guides & Tutorials site here: https://www.linode.com/docs/platform/network-helper
