Do you know that networking skills can offer you huge working opportunities in the IT Industry? If not, then you are at the right place. Here, we will talk about the Top 20 Networking Commands in detail and discuss their uses.

In the end, we will introduce you to a reputed training institute offering a dedicated training program related to networking skills. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the point!

What is Networking Command?

An instruction used to configure, manage, or troubleshoot network settings, connections, and devices in a computer's command-line interface (CLI) or terminal is called a networking command.

Users can see network status, check connectivity, and manage data flow with these commands. Ping, ipconfig (or ifconfig), and traceroute are a few examples. Let’s talk about the “Top 20 Networking Commands!”

List of Top 20 Networking Commands In 2026

The following are the Top 20+ Networking Commands:

ping: Sends ICMP echo requests and measures response time (delay) to test end-to-end connectivity to a host.
traceroute (tracert in Windows): Finds points of delay or failure by tracking the route (hops/routers) a packet travels to get to its destination.
netstat: Shows open ports, interface statistics, routing tables, and active network connections.
nslookup: Finds the IP address associated with a domain name by querying DNS servers, or the other way around (DNS resolution).
dig: A more robust and adaptable tool for DNS server queries and obtaining comprehensive DNS record data.
pathping: Combines tracert and ping to provide statistics over time to pinpoint packet loss locations.
ss: A contemporary substitute for netstat that shows current connections and dumps socket statistics.
ipconfig: Handles DHCP/DNS settings (/release, /renew, /flushdns) and shows the current IP address configuration (IP, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway).
ip: IP addresses, routing, and network interfaces are shown or managed using this contemporary substitute for ifconfig and route.
ifconfig: Configures or shows the IP address, MAC address, and other network interface information. The ip command has mostly taken its place.
route: Defines paths for traffic by displaying or manually modifying the kernel IP routing table.
arp: Shows and changes the ARP cache, which associates IP addresses with the local network segment's physical MAC addresses.
hostname: Shows the host name or unique network identity of the present system.
getmac: Shows the system's network adapters' MAC addresses.
netsh: Almost every network configuration (IP, firewall, routing, etc.) may be seen or changed using this robust command-line scripting tool.
ssh: To safely connect to a distant server or device for command-line management and execution, use Secure Shell.
telnet: Connects to a distant host (typically used to check if a certain port is open and listening). SSH has taken its place for safe administration.
scp: Using SSH and the Secure Copy Protocol, files can be safely copied between local and remote systems.
nmap: Network Mapper is an effective tool for port scanning, security audits, and network discovery. (Usually needs to be installed separately).
iptables: Used to set up and control the firewall rules (packet filtering) in the Linux kernel.
curl: Uses a variety of protocols (HTTP, FTP, etc.) to send data to or from a server. Great for testing web services and APIs.
wget: Command-line tool for downloading files from the internet that is not interactive.
tcpdump: An effective command-line packet sniffer for real-time capture and analysis of network traffic flowing through an interface.
nc (netcat): Often referred to as the "Swiss Army knife" of networking, it uses TCP or UDP to read and write data across network connections.
MTR: Ping and traceroute are combined into a single command called "My Traceroute," which displays ongoing diagnostics.

Benefits of Networking Skills for Organizations

S.No.	Benefits	How?
1.	Faster Problem Resolution & Uptime	Expert network specialists can identify and resolve network problems fast, greatly lowering expensive system outages.
2.	Enhanced Network Security	Strong security protocols and proactive defense against cyber attacks and breaches are ensured by networking expertise.
3.	Accelerated Innovation & Idea Exchange	The quick exchange of information, fresh viewpoints, and creative solutions is made possible by strong internal and external professional ties.
4.	Optimized Infrastructure Costs	Competent teams create and oversee effective networks, minimizing redundancy, avoiding expensive outages, and simplifying processes.
5.	Access to New Business Opportunities	Visibility to new clients, possible collaborations, and insightful market information are all provided via an external professional network.
6.	Improved Talent Acquisition & Retention	Internal networking promotes a more collaborative atmosphere, which increases employee job satisfaction, and networking abilities help draw in top industry talent.
7.	Efficient Cross-Functional Collaboration	Silos are broken down by effective internal networking and communication, enabling departments to collaborate on common objectives with ease.
8.	Better Adaptability to Industry Trends	The company may stay up to date on the newest technologies, laws, and changes in the market by consistently networking with peers in the field.

Industries that need networking experts

The following are some industries that need networking experts:

● Technology and Telecommunications (Tech & Telecom): The fundamental network infrastructure that all other industries depend on is designed, constructed, and maintained by this industry.

● Finance and Banking: Networking specialists provide safe, quick transaction processing and uphold adherence to stringent banking rules.

● Cloud Computing and Data Centers: These professionals oversee the vast, intricate networks that offer scalable cloud and internet services.

● Healthcare: They manage dependable, safe networks for telemedicine services, patient monitoring, and Electronic Health Records (EHRs).

● Government and Defense: Networking experts oversee highly secure, divided networks to safeguard private information and vital national security.

● E-commerce and Retail: These professionals oversee the vast network of Point-of-Sale (POS) systems and logistics while ensuring flawless online shopping experiences.

● Manufacturing and Industrial Automation (IoT/ OT): To automate production, they link and secure operational technology (OT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors.

● Education: The campus-wide, high-bandwidth connectivity needed for administration, research, and e-learning is provided and maintained by networking staff.

Job Profiles related to Networking Skills

S.No.	Job Profiles	How?
1.	Network Engineer	Ensures high performance and dependability in the design, implementation, and management of an organization's computer networks.
2.	Network Architect	Plans and develops the network infrastructure's high-level design, frequently with an eye toward future expansion and scalability.
3.	Cybersecurity Analyst/ Engineer	Focuses on putting defensive measures like firewalls and VPNs in place, keeping an eye out for threats, and protecting the network infrastructure.
4.	Cloud Network Engineer	Particularly oversees and maintains network connectivity and services in cloud systems, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
5.	Network Administrator	Oversees a network's everyday operations, upkeep, and fundamental troubleshooting, including user accounts and permissions.
6.	Wireless Network Engineer	Focuses on creating, implementing, and refining wireless networks, including Wi-Fi.
7.	Solutions Architect (Networking Focus)	Develops and suggests particular networking solutions that satisfy company needs in consultation with clients or internal teams.
8.	Telecommunications Specialist	Oversees data and voice communication systems, which are based on fundamental networking concepts.
9.	Data Center Technician	Installs, cables, and maintains network hardware as part of the physical infrastructure of a data center.
10.	Network Consultant	Offers businesses strategic direction and professional assistance on network architecture, security, and upgrades under contract.

Conclusion

Now that we have talked about the Top 20 Networking Commands, you might want to learn networking skills professionally. For that, you can get in contact with Craw Security, offering the Basic Networking Course with AI in Delhi to IT Aspirants.

During the training sessions, students will be able to try their skills on various topics using the networking skills under the guidance of experts. Moreover, virtual labs will facilitate students to gain real-life experience.

After the completion of the Basic Networking Course with AI in Delhi offered by Craw Security, students will receive a certificate validating their honed knowledge & skills during the sessions. What are you waiting for? Contact, Now!

Top 20 Networking Commands for Beginners & Professionals

Latest Posts