eBPF for Networking (XDP)

Short summary

eBPF combined with XDP enables in-kernel packet processing at the network interface edge, bypassing the traditional Linux network stack for blazing-fast performance. The article explains how eBPF's sandboxed VM safely runs verified programs in the kernel, and how XDP hooks intercept packets for dropping, redirecting, modifying, or monitoring before they reach ip_rcv. It covers prerequisites including kernel 4.8+, Clang/LLVM, and BCC or libbpf libraries.

• •eBPF and XDP enable safe in-kernel packet processing before the full network stack is involved
• •XDP can drop, redirect, modify, or monitor packets at the network interface edge
• •Requires modern Linux kernel 4.8+, Clang/LLVM compilers, and BCC or libbpf libraries

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