Raspberry Pi User Guide, 4th Edition

Chapter 5

Network Configuration

FOR MOST USERS, configuring the Raspberry Pi’s network is as easy as plugging a cable into the Ethernet port on a Model B, B+, Pi 2, or Pi 3—or a USB Ethernet adapter, in the case of the Model A, A+, or Pi Zero. For others, however, the network requires manual configuration.

If you know that your network doesn’t have a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server—a system that tells the Pi and other devices on the network how they should connect—or if you want to use a USB wireless adapter with the Pi, read on.

Wired Networking

In some instances, for the Pi’s network to operate correctly, you may need to configure it manually. Normally, the network in a home, school, or office has a DHCP server that tells the Pi and other devices on the network how they should connect. Some networks don’t have a DHCP server, however, and need to be set up manually.

NOTE

If you just want your Raspberry Pi to have an IP address that doesn't change, known as a static IP, configuring it directly on the Pi is the wrong approach. Instead, consult your router or other DHCP server's manual for instructions on how to make static IP reservations; a static IP address prevents the Pi from clashing with another device on the network.

Connecting to a Wired Network via the GUI

The easiest way to manually configure networking on the Pi is through the graphical user interface (GUI). The Raspbian desktop is already configured for networking support: find the network icon ...