Bridge with netctl

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This article or section is a candidate for merging with Network bridge.

Notes: I suggest to move the netctl-specific parts of this article into a subsection of "Network bridge" (Discuss in Talk:Bridge with netctl)

Make sure netctl is installed.

Copy /etc/netctl/examples/bridge to /etc/netctl/bridge.

In this example, we create a bridge called br0 which has real Ethernet adapter eth0 and (optionally) a tap device tap0 connected to it. Of course, edit br0, eth0 and tap0 to your needs.

/etc/netctl/bridge

Description="Example Bridge connection"
Interface=br0
Connection=bridge
BindsToInterfaces=(eth0 tap0)
IP=dhcp

This example creates a statically assigned bridge called br0 which has real Ethernet adapter eth0 connected to it. Edit Interface, BindsToInterfaces, Address, and Gateway to your needs.

 /etc/netctl/bridge

Description="Example Bridge connection"
Interface=br0
Connection=bridge
BindsToInterfaces=(eth0)
MACAddress=eth0
IP=static
Address='192.168.10.20/24'
Gateway='192.168.10.200'
## Ignore (R)STP and immediately activate the bridge
SkipForwardingDelay=yes

Tip: If you are using static IP, see man pages of netctl, and also edit /etc/resolv.conf if necessary.

You can bridge any combination of network devices editing BindsToInterfaces option.

If any of the bridged devices (e.g. eth0, tap0) had dhcpcd enabled, stop and disable the dhcpcd@eth0.service daemon. Or set IP=no to the netctl profiles.

Finally, start and enable your /etc/netctl/bridge.