The Linux network stack as a map
Summary
The Linux networking diagram arranges packet paths, protocols and kernel components into a navigable system map. Zenodo archives the map permanently with a citable record identifier. The diagram connects user space, kernel protocols, Netfilter, traffic control and drivers.
Ideas
- A packet follows different paths for receiving, forwarding and local output.
- Netfilter hooks sit at defined transitions of the network stack.
- Sockets connect application calls with transport protocols and kernel buffers.
- Routing decides whether packets end locally or are forwarded.
- Drivers and queueing form the bridge between kernel and network hardware.
Insights
- Diagrams speed up troubleshooting when several subsystems affect the same packets.
- The observation point determines which version of a packet a tool shows.
- Firewall problems are often path problems rather than faulty individual rules.
Facts
- Incoming and outgoing packets do not pass all components in the same order.
Recommendations
- Before every analysis, mark the source, destination, namespace and expected packet path.
- Place tcpdump captures specifically before and after suspected transformations.
References
Links to the original source and the Web Archive open in a new tab.