ifdown

The command line tool "ifdown" is used in Linux-based operating systems. It is used to bring down a network interface, disabling its connectivity. The "ifdown" command can be used for both wired and wireless network interfaces. When executed, it deactivates the specified network interface, making it inaccessible. The tool modifies the interface's state in the "/etc/network/interfaces" configuration file. Typically, "ifdown" is utilized when troubleshooting network issues or for shutting down network connections temporarily. Network administrators can employ this command to disable a specific interface without affecting other networking components. When running "ifdown", the tool releases any actively assigned IP addresses, freeing them up for other devices. The command can be executed with root or superuser privileges to ensure proper access and control. Most Linux distributions come pre-installed with "ifdown" as part of the network management utilities.