5 Using NetworkManager
NetworkManager is the ideal solution for laptops and other portable computers. It
supports state-of-the-art encryption types and standards for network connections,
including connections to 802.1X protected networks. 802.1X is the “IEEE Standard
for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Port-Based Network Access Control”. With
NetworkManager, you do not need to worry about conguring network interfaces
and switching between wired or wireless networks when you are moving. Network-
Manager can automatically connect to known wireless networks or manage several
network connections in parallel—the fastest connection is then used as default. Fur-
thermore, you can manually switch between available networks and manage your
network connection using an applet in the system tray.
Instead of only one connection being active, multiple connections may be active at
once. This enables you to unplug your laptop from an Ethernet and remain connected
via a wireless connection.
5.1 Use Cases for NetworkManager
NetworkManager provides a sophisticated and intuitive user interface, which enables
users to easily switch their network environment. However, NetworkManager is not
a suitable solution in the following cases:
• Your computer provides network services for other computers in your network,
for example, it is a DHCP or DNS server.
• Your computer is a Xen server or your system is a virtual system inside Xen.
5.2 Enabling NetworkManager
On laptop computers, NetworkManager is enabled by default. However, it can be at
any time enabled or disabled in the YaST Network Settings module.
1 Run YaST and go to Network Devices > Network Settings.
2 The Network Settings dialog opens. Go to the Global Options tab.
3 To congure and manage your network connections with NetworkManager,
select User Controlled with NetworkManager.
4 Click OK.
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