Understanding Linux Network Internals

Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible without an interesting topic to talk about, and an audience. The interesting topic is Linux, this modern operating system that anyone has an opportunity to be part of, and the audience is the incredible number of users that often decide not only to take advantage of the good work of others, but also to contribute to its success by getting involved in its development. I have always loved sharing knowledge and passion for the things I like, and with this book, I have tried my best to add a lane or two to the highway that takes interested people into the wonderful world of the Linux kernel.

Of course, I did not do everything while lying in a hammock by the beach, with an ice cream in one hand and a mouse in the other. It took quite a lot of work to investigate the reasons behind some of the implementation choices. It is incredible how much information you can dig out of the development mailing lists, and how much people are willing to share their knowledge when you show genuine interest in their work.

For sure, this book would not be what it is without the great help and suggestions of my editor, Andy Oram. Due to the frequent changes that the networking code experiences, a few chapters had to undergo substantial updates during the writing of the book, but Andy understood this and helped me get to the finish line.

I also would like to thank all of those people that supported me in this effort, and Cisco Systems for giving me the flexibility ...