My Experience on This Lab
In this lab, I explored how Linux reports and handles network configuration in both NAT and Bridged modes. Using commands like ifconfig, route, netstat, ping and host, I examined my IP address, MAC address, routing table, DNS resolution, and active TCP connections. I also viewed key system files such as /etc/hostname and /etc/resolve.conf, and updated my hostname to my MIDAS ID. After switching the virtual machines network settings from NAT to Bridge mode, I repeated the same steps to compare the results.
Key Concepts I learned
This lab reinforced how network interfaces, routing tables, and DNS settings work in Linux. I learned the practical differences between NAT and Bridged networking, including how IP assignment and network visibility change depending on the mode. Editing system network files also helped me understand how Linux stores hostname and DNS configuration.
Challenges
The main challenge was keeping track of how the IP address and routing table changed between NAT and Bridge mode. In Bridge mode, the VM’s connectivity depended heavily on the host network, which made certain commands behave differently.