How to update to NetworkManager 1.58 and leverage the new features

NetworkManager is a system service and a set of tools for managing network connections, adopted by most Linux distributions. Version 1.58 introduces several new features and improvements, useful for system administrators, developers, and advanced users who need more granular control over network connections.

This guide is aimed at those who want to configure and leverage the new features of NetworkManager 1.58, in particular:

• System administrators managing IPv6-only networks.
• Users needing to improve Wi-Fi connection management.
• Developers working with GENEVE interfaces.
• Anyone wanting to explore new security and VPN options.

By the end of this guide, you will be able to configure and use the new features introduced in NetworkManager 1.58, optimizing network management and improving the security and usability of network connections.

Prerequisites

• Operating System: A Linux distribution that supports NetworkManager 1.58
• NetworkManager 1.58: Installed and configured on the system
• Administrative Permissions: Access to administrator privileges for system changes
• Network Interface: Network devices configurable via NetworkManager
• DHCP Backend: Support for DHCP, excluding compatibility with dhclient
• 802.1X Backend: Support for 802.1X certificates and keys

Procedure to Enable CLAT in NetworkManager 1.58

This guide explains how to enable the CLAT functionality in NetworkManager 1.58, allowing IPv4 connectivity on IPv6-only networks.

• Step 1: Verify the NetworkManager Version

  Make sure you have NetworkManager 1.58 installed. Open a terminal and type:

  nmcli --version

• Step 2: Modify the NetworkManager Configuration

  Open the NetworkManager configuration file. If it doesn't exist, create it:

  sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/clat.conf

• Step 3: Add the ipv4.clat Property

  Add the following lines to the file:

  [connection]

  Save and close the file.

• Step 4: Restart NetworkManager

  Restart NetworkManager to apply the changes:

  sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

• Step 5: Verify CLAT Activation

  Verify that CLAT is active by typing:

  nmcli dev show

  Look for the ipv4.clat property and ensure it is set to enabled.

Verification and Troubleshooting

After configuring and applying the new features of NetworkManager 1.58, it is essential to verify the correct operation of the settings and resolve any issues.

Functionality Test

• Verify CLAT: To test the CLAT functionality on IPv6-only networks, enable the ipv4.clat property and verify IPv4 connectivity. Use the command nmcli connection show to check that the connection is active and working.
• Verify GENEVE: Check the creation and management of GENEVE interfaces using nmcli connection add type geneve and verify their presence with ip link show.
• Verify Wi-Fi: Test the connection to Wi-Fi networks on different bands, including the new 6GHz band, using nmcli device wifi list and nmcli device connect.
• Verify VPN: Verify the correct configuration of VPNs and DNS domain merging using nmcli connection show and testing connectivity through the VPN.

Troubleshooting

• Connectivity Issues: If connectivity is not working, check the NetworkManager logs with journalctl -u NetworkManager to identify any errors. Also, check the network interface configuration with nmcli device status.
• Wi-Fi Authentication Issues: If you encounter problems with Wi-Fi authentication, ensure that the security settings are correct and that the passwords are entered correctly. Use nmcli device wifi rescan to update the list of available networks.
• VPN Issues: If the VPN does not connect, verify the authentication settings and permissions for certificates and private keys. Use nmcli connection up to restart the VPN connection.
• DNS Issues: If you encounter DNS resolution problems, verify the DNS server configuration with nmcli connection show and ensure that the DNS servers are correctly configured.

For more details and specific resolutions, consult the official changelog of NetworkManager 1.58.

Educational Summary and Call to Practice

With this guide, you have learned the main new features introduced by NetworkManager 1.58, a version rich in advanced features and significant improvements. Here is a summary of the skills acquired:

• Activation and management of CLAT support for IPv4 connectivity on IPv6-only networks.
• Configuration and use of new options for GENEVE interfaces and device state management.
• Implementation of internal reachability checks and advanced Wi-Fi settings management.
• Improvements in the nmcli and nmtui command-line interfaces, including QR code generation for wireless credentials.
• Advanced VPN management and security checks for certificates and keys.

To apply what you have learned, download the NetworkManager 1.58 source code from the GitLab project and start experimenting with the new features. Consult the changelog for in-depth technical details.

Put these knowledge into practice to optimize network management on your Linux systems and make the most of NetworkManager 1.58's innovations.