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Everything about Netlink

Linux kernel interface for inter-process communication between processes

Netlink is a socket family used for inter-process communication (IPC) between both the kernel and userspace processes, and between different userspace processes, in a way similar to the Unix domain sockets available on certain Unix-like operating systems, including its original incarnation as a Linux kernel interface, as well as in the form of a later implementation on FreeBSD. Similarly to the Unix domain sockets, and unlike INET sockets, Netlink communication cannot traverse host boundaries. However, while the Unix domain sockets use the file system namespace, Netlink sockets are usually addressed by process identifiers (PIDs). Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: NetlinkA 5-minute orientation
  2. Pick up a classic book: WarstriderThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  3. Read the landmark paper: Communicating between the kernel and user‐space in Linux using Netlink socketsCited 32 times
  4. Go sideways: IoctlA closely related topic
  5. Go sideways: Unix domain socketA closely related topic

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🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

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