Ubuntu – Am I running NetworkManager or networkd

netplannetwork-managernetworkingsystemd-networkd

I am learning to use netplan. When writing a YAML configuration file I need to know which renderer to use, either NetworkManager or networkd.

How do I know if I am running NetworkManager or networkd?

Best Answer

By default, Ubuntu desktop version ships with Network Manager. In most desktop environments, it does a good job. In this case, the netplan file should hand over networking to Network Manager. Typically, the relevant file is /etc/netplan/01-network-manager-all.yaml It reads:

    # Let NetworkManager manage all devices on this system
network:
  version: 2
  renderer: NetworkManager

In Ubuntu server edition, since no desktop environment is installed by default; i.e. Gnome, Unity, Wayland, KDE, etc., Network Manager is not possible and therefore not installed. In versions 17.10 and later, networking is handled by netplan alone. The typical relevant file is /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml It usually reads:

# This file describes the network interfaces available on your system
# For more information, see netplan(5).
network:
  version: 2
  renderer: networkd
  ethernets:
    enp0s3:
      dhcp4: yes

...where enp0s3 is your relevant interface. This will allow an internet connection by DHCP until a full and further configuration can be effected by editing the yaml file and following with:

sudo netplan apply