HowTo: MESA Ethernet Board Network Config Using systemd

This is a quick HowTo on the quickest and least intrusive way I have found to configure the network for a MESA 7i96 (or other Ethernet?) board.

The systemd network service means no more editing ifconfig files or installing Network Manager. It appears to play nicely with wpa_supplicant.conf too.

1. Setup systemd networking to start at boot:


2. Start the services (going forward they will be automatically started at boot):



3. Create the config file (I am using 'vi' but any other text editor will do):


4. Add the following text:


Close the file (Esc :wq for vi)

That's it! Next time you boot, your MESA card will be configured.

If you want yo use it immediately then:



To get the status (sudo not required):


I'm using this on a Raspberry Pi, so along with wpa_supplicant.conf in the /boot it makes for a very easy network setup.

Number 1 is twice the same line.
Thank you.

Thank you - y'know, I looked at that line with suspicion several times... There's always one, isn't there?

LOL at reason for editing!