This post provides a brief introduction to Linux virtual interfaces, focusing on frequently used interfaces and some interfaces that can be easily confused with one another.

When you take over a network as a technical lead, you often run into design elements that make you do a spit-take. They did WHAT? Really? Were they...stupid? Clueless? Stupid AND clueless? Maybe they were, but I argue that you should give those humans that came before you a break. You weren't there. You don't know what constraints they were operating under. Since you don't know those things, it's hard to pass fair judgement. Unfair judgement? Oh, yeah. All day long, and you can even feel righteous while doing so. Super smug.