Kernel bypass

The text discusses the limitations of the Linux kernel networking stack and how it fails to handle large packet floods efficiently. It mentions various techniques for achieving kernel bypass, including PACKET_MMAP, PF_RING, Snabbswitch, DPDK, and Netmap. However, these techniques require taking over a whole network card, which is not feasible in certain environments like CloudFlare's. The text then explores alternative strategies such as Solarflare's EF_VI, bifurcated drivers, and virtualization approach using Intel 82599 chips. It concludes that while many open source techniques exist, none of them seem to be practical without a dedicated network card.