When you are using the reactive network configuration mode, the system handles network connectivity and network configuration based on the current network conditions. The type of network configuration uses different profiles to specify the various parameters that define a system's network configuration. These profiles are automatically enabled on the system in response to changes in network conditions. Or, you can manually enable profiles on a system, as needed.
Reactive network configuration is most suitable for notebook PCs and in situations where cables are regularly plugged or unplugged, cards are added or removed, etc. Assuming your site has a DHCP server that can provide IP addresses and name service information, reactive network configuration provides out-of-box functionality for automatic network configuration of a system that does not require manual configuration. For a detailed overview of profile-based network configuration, see About Profile-Based Network Configuration in Configuring and Administering Network Components in Oracle Solaris 11.2 .
For the reactive network configuration mode, you use the netcfg command to configure system-specific network configuration (datalinks and configure IP interfaces and addresses), as well as system-wide network configuration, for example, naming services. There is a second command, netadm, that you use to administering profiles on a system. These commands create network configuration that is applied to both the active and non-active profiles on the system.
For information about profile-based network configuration, see Chapter 6, Administering Profile-Based Network Configuration in Oracle Solaris, in Configuring and Administering Network Components in Oracle Solaris 11.2 .
You can also manage network configuration from the desktop by using the network administration GUI (formerly NWAM). This tool is similar to using the netcfg and netadm commands to manage reactive network configuration. Reactive network configuration is more suitable for notebook PC use and in situations where the network environment changes often, for example when switching from a wired connection to a wireless connection or when switching from a work location to a home office location. In these situations, you will want to activate the system-defined Automatic network profile or a user-defined reactive network profile. See Administering Network Configuration From the Desktop in Configuring and Administering Network Components in Oracle Solaris 11.2 .