How to Delete Network Interface in AWS | 2 Methods With Internal Issues

Amazon Web Services (AWS) stands as a towering giant, offering a comprehensive suite of services to cater to diverse business needs. Among its offerings, AWS boasts a robust networking infrastructure, empowering users to establish and manage secure virtual networks. 

While network interfaces play a pivotal role in network operations, there may arise instances when their removal is necessary. This guide delves into the intricacies of deleting network interfaces in AWS, providing a step-by-step approach for both the AWS Management Console and the AWS CLI.

Deleting Network Interfaces Using the AWS Management Console

The AWS Management Console offers a user-friendly interface for managing AWS resources, including network interfaces. To delete an ENI using the console, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Accessing the VPC Console: Begin by navigating to the Amazon VPC console within the AWS Management Console.
2. Selecting the Network Interface: Locate the network interface you intend to delete. You can utilize the search bar or browse through the list of ENIs.
3. Initiating the Deletion Process: Once the target ENI is identified, click on the “Actions” menu and select “Delete Network Interface.”
4. Confirming Deletion: In the ensuing dialog box, review the details of the ENI and click the “Delete” button to finalize the removal process.

Deleting Network Interfaces Using the AWS CLI

For those proficient in command-line tools, the AWS CLI provides an alternative method for deleting network interfaces. The following steps outline the process:

1. Launching a Terminal Window: Open a terminal window or command prompt to interact with the AWS CLI.
2. Issuing the Deletion Command: Execute the following command, replacing <eni-id> with the identifier of the network interface you want to delete:

aws ec2 delete-network-interface –network-interface-id <eni-id>

3. Verifying Deletion: Once the command is executed, the network interface specified will be removed from your AWS account.

Issues During Network Interface Deletion In AWS

In certain scenarios, you may encounter an error message when attempting to delete a network interface. This error typically indicates that the ENI is currently in use by an instance. To proceed with the deletion, you must first detach the ENI from the instance.

Detaching Network Interfaces from EC2 Instances

Detaching an ENI from an instance involves severing the connection between the two entities. This process can be accomplished using either the AWS Management Console or the AWS CLI.

Using the AWS Management Console to Detach ENIs

Using the AWS Management Console to Detach ENIs includes: 

Accessing the EC2 Console: Navigate to the Amazon EC2 console within the AWS Management Console.

Selecting the Instance: Locate the instance from which you want to detach the network interface.

Initiating the Detachment Process: Click on the “Actions” menu and select “Detach Network Interface.”

Choosing the ENI: In the ensuing dialog box, identify the network interface you wish to detach and click the “Detach” button.

Using the AWS CLI to Detach ENIs

Using the AWS CLI to Detach ENIs includes:

1. Launching a Terminal Window: Open a terminal window or command prompt to interact with the AWS CLI.
2. Issuing the Detachment Command: Execute the following command, replacing <instance-id> with the identifier of the instance and <eni-id> with the identifier of the network interface:

aws ec2 detach-network-interface –instance-id <instance-id> –network-interface-id <eni-id>

3. Verifying Detachment: Once the command is executed, the network interface will be detached from the specified instance.

Completing the Deletion of Detached ENIs

Once a network interface has been detached from an instance, you can proceed with its deletion using the methods described earlier, either through the AWS Management Console or the AWS CLI.

Conclusion

Effectively managing network interfaces in AWS is crucial for maintaining a well-structured and secure network environment. By understanding the process of deleting network interfaces, you can streamline your network operations and ensure optimal resource utilization.