Resources for learning Linux Networking stack?

Cisco
LegoBlocks

Go to company page Cisco

LegoBlocks
Oct 29, 2020 3 Comments

I would like to learn the internals of the Linux Networking stack. Calling all the Linux gurus for suggestions on what are good resources for this.

Im not looking for superficial block diagrams of the Linux Networking stack. Looking for actual pkt flows, implementation details, source code pointers, data structures used ...you get the idea...

Know of any online self paced tutorials/course? As this works best for me.

(For TC or GTFO folks: 210k).

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TOP 3 Comments
  • Esri
    klokov_v3

    Go to company page Esri

    klokov_v3
    Unfortunately, the kernel's networking stack is among the most underrepresented areas, in terms of resources about it. There were some books written back in ~2005'ish about this area. The problem is these books cover kernel v2.6 and a lot of stuff for e.g. routing changed in v3.x. In those days O'Reilly was publishing great content on kernel internals, which now seems to have stopped (I wonder why?).

    Anyway, here are some books from that time, some parts in these books might still be relevant -

    1) Understanding Linux Network Internals by Christian Benevunti.
    2) Professional Linux Kernel Architecture by Wolfgang Maurer, has an 80-page chapter devoted to the network stack.

    Both books are freely available online.

    Someone has mentioned Kerrisk' TLPI, great book but geared towards the userspace POSIX API, rather than a deep dive into kernel internals.

    If you're interested in how a production level kernel implements networking, then FreeBSD is a great place to look at. It has been said to have the best network stack and IIRC there's lots of resources on the internet available about the internals, including some articles/papers by the FreeBSD folks.
    Oct 29, 2020 0
  • Apple
    IcMK65

    Go to company page Apple

    IcMK65
    Use arch as your daily OS.

    It will break so much you’ll be an expert in 3 months.
    Oct 29, 2020 0
  • Yelp
    huyf

    Go to company page Yelp

    huyf
    Buy yourself the brick house that is The Linux Programming Interface. Great reference.
    Oct 29, 2020 0