---
name: "networks"
section: "5"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd", "macos"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/networks"
---

# networks(5)

network name data base

## NAME

**networks** – network name data base

## DESCRIPTION

The **networks** file contains information regarding the known networks which comprise the DARPA Internet. For each network a single line should be present with the following information:

```
official network name
network number
aliases
```

Items are separated by any number of blanks and/or tab characters. A \`\`#'' indicates the beginning of a comment; characters up to the end of the line are not interpreted by routines which search the file. This file is normally created from the official network data base maintained at the Network Information Control Center (NIC), though local changes may be required to bring it up to date regarding unofficial aliases and/or unknown networks.

Network numbers may be specified in the conventional \`\`.'' (dot) notation using the [inet\_network(3)](/inet_network/3.md) routine from the Internet address manipulation library, [inet(3)](/inet/3.md). Network names may contain any printable character other than a field delimiter, newline, or comment character.

## FILES

- */etc/networks*

  The **networks** file resides in */etc*.

## SEE ALSO

[getnetent(3)](/getnetent/3.md)

## HISTORY

The **networks** file format appeared in 4.2BSD.

## BUGS

A name server should be used instead of a static file.