Understanding the “ss” Command in Linux: Usage, Examples, and Tips

The “ss” command is a powerful tool in Linux that allows users to inspect and monitor the various network connections and sockets on a system. In this article, we will explore the different options and usage of the “ss” command, as well as provide examples of how it can be used for network troubleshooting and monitoring.

What is the “ss” Command?

The “ss” command is a utility that is similar to the “netstat” command, which is used to display network connections, routing tables, and other network-related information. However, “ss” provides more detailed information and is considered to be more efficient than “netstat”. The “ss” command is part of the “iproute2” package, which is typically installed by default on most Linux distributions.

When to use the “ss” Command

The “ss” command is useful in a variety of situations, such as:

• Network troubleshooting: The “ss” command can be used to view the status of network connections and identify any issues, such as closed or timed out connections.
• Security monitoring: The “ss” command can be used to monitor for suspicious network activity, such as incoming connections from unknown sources.
• Performance monitoring: The “ss” command can be used to monitor the usage of network resources, such as the number of open connections, and identify any potential bottlenecks.

How to use the “ss” Command

The basic syntax of the “ss” command is as follows:

Some commonly used options include:

• “-t” : Show only TCP connections
• “-u” : Show only UDP connections
• “-l” : Show only listening sockets
• “-p” : Show process using socket

Examples

1. To view all TCP connections on a system:

2. To view all listening TCP and UDP sockets on a system:

3. To view process using a specific socket:

The “ss” command is a valuable tool for network troubleshooting, monitoring, and security in Linux. By understanding the various options and usage of the “ss” command, administrators and users can quickly and easily gather information about network connections and sockets on a system.

See our list of 75 Linux commands you should know about.