Complete SocketCAN Setup Guide for Linux
Step-by-step guide to configuring SocketCAN interfaces on Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux for professional CAN analysis.
What is SocketCAN?
SocketCAN is the standard framework for CAN bus support in the Linux kernel. It provides a network socket interface that allows applications to communicate with CAN interfaces using standard Linux networking tools and APIs.
This unified approach means you can use the same tools (ip, tc, ethtool) and programming interfaces (socket API) for CAN that you would for Ethernet or other network protocols.
Virtual CAN Setup (Testing)
Create a virtual CAN interface for testing without requiring physical hardware:
sudo modprobe vcan
sudo ip link add dev vcan0 type vcan
sudo ip link set up vcan0
ip link show vcan0
Now you have a functional virtual CAN interface (vcan0) that you can use to test CAN applications.
Hardware CAN Configuration
For real CAN interfaces (PEAK PCAN, Kvaser, CANable):
sudo ip link set can0 type can bitrate 500000
sudo ip link set up can0
candump can0
The candump command displays all CAN frames in real-time.
Common SocketCAN Tools
candump
Monitor CAN messages
candump can0,vcan0
cansend
Send CAN frames
cansend can0 123#1122334455667788
candlelight
Device information
candlelight can0
Professional CAN Analysis with RCAN Viewer
Once you've set up SocketCAN, use RCAN Viewer for professional-grade CAN analysis with live monitoring, filtering, and message replay.
Download RCAN Viewer