DPDKAFXDP

DPDKAFXDP is a software component that integrates the Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) with the AF_XDP framework in the Linux kernel to enable high-performance user-space packet processing through AF_XDP sockets. It aims to provide an efficient data path for DPDK applications by leveraging the kernel’s XDP/XSK facilities and shared memory for packet buffers.

The core idea of DPDKAFXDP is to present a DPDK-compatible interface that routes packet I/O through AF_XDP sockets. Packets are received into or transmitted from user-space via UMEM regions that are shared between the kernel and the DPDK process, with rings used to coordinate buffer ownership and reclamation. By using AF_XDP, DPDKAFXDP can offload part of the packet I/O work to kernel-space while maintaining control in user-space, potentially reducing context switching and copy overhead for certain workloads.

Typical usage scenarios include high-throughput packet capture, traffic steering, and load balancing where low latency and efficient data handling are critical. The component is designed to integrate with DPDK’s existing poll mode driver (PMD) and queueing abstractions, enabling applications that already use DPDK to adopt AF_XDP-based paths with minimal code changes.

Key considerations when evaluating DPDKAFXDP include kernel support for AF_XDP, NIC compatibility, and the performance characteristics of the UMEM-based path compared to native DPDK drivers. As with other AF_XDP-enabled configurations, tuning UMEM size, fill and completion rings, and memory registration is important for achieving stable, high-performance operation.

In summary, DPDKAFXDP represents an approach to bridge DPDK’s user-space packet processing with the kernel’s AF_XDP path, offering a potentially efficient alternative data plane for suitable workloads.