Linux From Scratch - Version SVN-20150308

Chapter 6. Installing Basic System Software

6.44. Inetutils-1.9.2

The Inetutils package contains programs for basic networking.

Approximate build time: 0.4 SBU
Required disk space: 34 MB

6.44.1. Installation of Inetutils

Create a definition to allow the ifconfig program to build properly: 

echo '#define PATH_PROCNET_DEV "/proc/net/dev"' >> ifconfig/system/linux.h

Prepare Inetutils for compilation: 

./configure --prefix=/usr  \
            --localstatedir=/var   \
            --disable-logger       \
            --disable-whois        \
            --disable-servers

The meaning of the configure options:

--disable-logger

This option prevents Inetutils from installing the logger program, which is used by scripts to pass messages to the System Log Daemon. Do not install it because Util-linux installs a more recent version.

--disable-whois

This option disables the building of the Inetutils whois client, which is out of date. Instructions for a better whois client are in the BLFS book.

--disable-servers

This disables the installation of the various network servers included as part of the Inetutils package. These servers are deemed not appropriate in a basic LFS system. Some are insecure by nature and are only considered safe on trusted networks. Note that better replacements are available for many of these servers.

Compile the package: 

make

To test the results, issue: 

make check

Install the package: 

make install

Move some programs so they are available if /usr is not accessible: 

mv -v /usr/bin/{hostname,ping,ping6,traceroute} /bin
mv -v /usr/bin/ifconfig /sbin

6.44.2. Contents of Inetutils

Installed programs: ftp, ifconfig, hostname, ping, ping6, rcp, rexec, rlogin, rsh, talk, telnet, tftp, and traceroute

Short Descriptions

ftp

Is the file transfer protocol program

ifconfig

Manages network interfaces

hostname

Reports or sets the name of the host

ping

Sends echo-request packets and reports how long the replies take

ping6

A version of ping for IPv6 networks

rcp

Performs remote file copy

rexec

Executes commands on a remote host

rlogin

Performs remote login

rsh

Runs a remote shell

talk

Is used to chat with another user

telnet

An interface to the TELNET protocol

tftp

A trivial file transfer program

traceroute

Traces the route your packets take from the host you are working on to another host on a network, showing all the intermediate hops (gateways) along the way