TC SW Datapath - A Performance Analysis

Explore a performance analysis of Linux kernel datapaths for Open vSwitch in this Linux Plumbers Conference talk. Dive into the comparison between ovskdp and TC DP, focusing on the PVP test scenario. Examine bottlenecks in the TC SW datapath using the perf tool, and discover proposed solutions to improve performance. Learn about extending the act infrastructure, leveraging ACT_REDIRECT action, and utilizing bpf redirect code for clone-free forwarding. Gain insights into future improvements, including RCU-ification of TC actions and expanding listification infrastructure. Compare TC/SW datapath performance with custom eBPF programs and understand the potential for further optimization in Linux kernel networking.

LINUX
Outline
The PVP test scenario
Let's see the numbers
How about scaling?
Can we do any better?
Killing bad clones
Things intentionally omitted - so far
A glance at the future