ifdown. is it really down?

[g]

i am currently using f8 with most of updates install. not sure if ifup/ifdown
is among them.

i have a growing concern about operation of ifup and ifdown.

i am noticing that when i 'ifdown eth0' is still see flashing of ethernet led
on a 2wire 2701hg-b dsl modem.

it was my understanding that using ifup and ifdown that this 2 commands would
bring ethernet connection up and down, but ethernet led on modem is now making
me believe other wise.

just what do commands actually do?

as 'user' what is/are better command or commands to use without 'su' or 'sudo'
to connect ethernet to modem?

tia.


-- 

tc,hago.

g
.

in a free world without fences, who needs gates.