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ethtool

file managementLinux/Unix
The ethtool command is one of the most frequently used commands in Linux/Unix-like operating systems. ethtool Sample fallback description for ethtool
See ExamplesView Syntax

Quick Reference

Command Name:

ethtool

Category:

file management

Platform:

Linux/Unix

Basic Usage:

ethtool [options] [arguments]

Common Use Cases

  • 1

    Network troubleshooting

    Diagnose network connectivity and performance issues

  • 2

    Hardware identification

    Identify network interfaces using the blinking LED feature

  • 3

    Performance optimization

    Configure NIC settings for optimal network performance

  • 4

    Hardware testing

    Run self-tests on network interfaces to verify functionality

Syntax

ethtool [OPTION]... [FILE]...

Options

Option Description
-l Use a long listing format
-a Show hidden entries starting with .
-h Human-readable sizes
-R List subdirectories recursively

Examples

How to Use These Examples

The examples below show common ways to use the ethtool command. Try them in your terminal to see the results. You can copy any example by clicking on the code block.

Basic Examples:

ls
List files in the current directory.
ls -l
List files in long format with details.
ls -a
List all files including hidden ones.

Advanced Examples:

ls -lah Detailed list with human-readable sizes. ls -R List directories recursively.

Try It Yourself

Practice makes perfect! The best way to learn is by trying these examples on your own system with real files.

Understanding Syntax

Pay attention to the syntax coloring: commands, options, and file paths are highlighted differently.

Notes

These are sample notes for the ethtool command.

Tips & Tricks

1

Use ethtool -i to display driver information for a network interface

2

Use ethtool -p to identify a network card by blinking its LED

3

Use ethtool -S to show detailed statistics for troubleshooting

4

Use ethtool -s to set speed, duplex mode, and other parameters

5

Add ethtool commands to network scripts for persistent configuration changes

Common Use Cases

Network troubleshooting

Diagnose network connectivity and performance issues

Hardware identification

Identify network interfaces using the blinking LED feature

Performance optimization

Configure NIC settings for optimal network performance

Hardware testing

Run self-tests on network interfaces to verify functionality

Driver inspection

View detailed information about network device drivers

Related Commands

These commands are frequently used alongside ethtool or serve similar purposes:

ifconfig
ip
iwconfig
mii-tool
tc
netstat
nmcli
iw
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Use Cases

1

Network troubleshooting

Diagnose network connectivity and performance issues

2

Hardware identification

Identify network interfaces using the blinking LED feature

3

Performance optimization

Configure NIC settings for optimal network performance

4

Hardware testing

Run self-tests on network interfaces to verify functionality

5

Driver inspection

View detailed information about network device drivers

Learn By Doing

The best way to learn Linux commands is by practicing. Try out these examples in your terminal to build muscle memory and understand how the ethtool command works in different scenarios.

See ExamplesTry Lab Exercises
$ ethtool
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