Introduction: Configuring the Raspberry Pi Ethernet Port With a Static IP Address

By Zagros Robotics

This Instructable will show how to quickly configure the Raspberry Pi ethernet port with a static IP address. This makes it much easier to log into it remotely because you will always know what the IP address is of your Pi.


This is a very basic Instructable for PC/Windows users or other not familar with Linux.

This Instructable has been updated (3/3/2017) for the new PIXEL version of Raspian. The network configuration has changed to use the dhcpcd.config file vs the interfaces file.


Hardware Required:
Raspberry Pi
Network switch
Ethernet Cables

Optional:
Wi-Pi WiFi wireless USB dongle

Step 1: Review Current Network Settings

From the command prompt or LXTerminal:

Type the command "ifconfig"

This command will display the current network settings.

Step 2: Backup the Current Network Configuration

it is a good idea to make a backup of the dhcpdc.conf file if you are new to linux:

sudo cp /etc/dhcpcd.conf /etc/dhcdcp.backup

This will allow you to roll back any changes you make.

Step 3: Modify the Network Settings

To edit the network setting you must edit the dhcpcd.conf file to set up a static IP address.

The following command can be used to load the file into an editor update the file:

sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf

Place these lines at the top of the file too set the Ethernet port (eth0) to a static IP address:

interface eth0

static ip_address=10.11.44.124/24

static routers=10.11.44.1

static domain_name_servers=172.16.33.85

Set the address (ip_address) to the IP address you want the Raspberry Pi to occupy.

Set the routers value to the gateway address

If available, set to domain_name_servers to you name servers


Once the file has been updated, use ctrl x to save and exit.

Step 4: Restart the Raspberry Pi

Once the dhcpcd file has been updated, you must restart the Raspberry Pi for the changes to take effect.

Used to following command to restart:

sudo reboot

Step 5: Test the New Network Setup

Use the "ping" command to confirm that the Raspberry Pi is on the network and talking to another computer also on the network.

If you have trouble pinging other computers on the network work, check the following:

1. Confirm that the ethernet cable is firmly connected to the Raspberry Pi and network switch.
2. Confirm that the ip address, mask and gateway are correct.
3. If pinging a Windows machine, sometimes security setting prevent responding to a ping request.