Linux IP Stacks Commentary

Detailed descriptions of the Linux TCP/IP stack code, with code fragments, IETF RFC links, and routing/firewall capabilities. Continuously updated for Linux kernel changes.

Introduction

This web book provides detailed descriptions of the Linux TCP/IP stack code, using code taken directly from the Git repository of the Linux kernel. It builds on the kernel source code itself and is designed to be updated as the Linux kernel is updated.

Highlights

• Provides an overview of the IPv4, ICMP, UDP, and TCP protocols, with code fragments and comments describing the details
• Links to the IETF Requests for Comments (RFCs) for each protocol
• Introduces packet routing theory and the firewall capabilities of the Linux kernel
• Continuously updated as the Linux kernel is updated

Recommendation

This course is recommended for experienced Linux enthusiasts who want to peek inside the kernel, students of TCP/IP who need working examples to examine, and practitioners who need a complete list of the RFCs that apply to each protocol.