[PATCH dpdk v4 0/4] net/tap: add network namespace support

Robin Jarry rjarry at redhat.com
Thu Oct 30 18:55:39 CET 2025


The TAP driver currently uses ioctl operations which are name-based and
namespace-unaware. When an interface is moved to another namespace, the
driver loses control and cannot track the device.

This series migrates to netlink-based interface control using ifindex
instead of names, making operations namespace-safe. When an interface
moves to another namespace, the driver detects RTM_DELLINK, queries the
new namespace using TUNGETDEVNETNS, and recreates netlink sockets in
that namespace to maintain control.

Tested by moving TAP interfaces between namespaces while running
testpmd. All link operations continue to work transparently after
namespace changes.

v4: added TUNSETCARRIER support after moving to another netns

v3: added release notes

v2: completely removed ioctl-based implementation

Robin Jarry (4):
  net/tap: add netlink helpers
  net/tap: replace ioctl with netlink
  net/tap: detect namespace change
  net/tap: configure link carrier

 doc/guides/rel_notes/release_25_11.rst |   7 +
 drivers/net/tap/rte_eth_tap.c          | 437 +++++++++++++++----------
 drivers/net/tap/rte_eth_tap.h          |   5 +-
 drivers/net/tap/tap_netlink.c          | 291 ++++++++++++++++
 drivers/net/tap/tap_netlink.h          |  10 +-
 5 files changed, 566 insertions(+), 184 deletions(-)

-- 
2.51.1



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