Chapter 2. Networking
Precision Time Protocol
An implementation of the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) according to IEEE standard 1588-2008 for Linux was introduced as a Technology Preview in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.4. The PTP infrastructure, both kernel and user space, is now fully supported in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.5. Network driver time stamping support now also includes the following drivers:
bnx2x, tg3, e1000e, igb, ixgbe, and sfc.
Analyzing the Non-Configuration IP Multicast IGMP Snooping Data
Previously, the bridge module sysfs virtual file system did not provide the ability to inspect the non-configuration IP multicast Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping data. Without this functionality, users could not fully analyze their multicast traffic. In Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.5, users are able to list detected multicast router ports, groups with active subscribers and the associated interfaces.
PPPoE Connections Support in NetworkManager
NetworkManager has been enhanced to support the creation and management of point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) based connections; for example, connections used for DSL, ISDN, and VPN connectivity.
Network Namespace Support for OpenStack
Network namespaces (netns) is a lightweight container-based virtualization technology. A virtual network stack can be associated with a process group. Each namespace has its own loopback device and process space. Virtual or real devices can be added to each network namespace, and the user can assign IP addresses to these devices and use them as a network node.
SCTP Support to Change the Cryptography Hash Function
In Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.5, users can change the cryptography hash function from MD5 to SHA1 for Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) connections.
M3UA Measurement Counters for SCTP
Message Transfer Part Level 3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA) is a protocol defined by the IETF standard for transporting MTP Level 3 user part signaling messages over IP using Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) instead of using traditional telecommunications networks (ISDN and PSTN).
Managing DOVE Tunnels Using iproute
Distributed Overlay Virtual Ethernet (DOVE) tunnels allow for building of Virtual Extensible Local Area Network (VXLAN), which represents a scalable solution for ISO OSI layer 2 networks used in cloud centers. The bridge tool is part of the iproute package and can be used, for example, to manage a forwarding database on VXLAN devices on Linux platform.
WoWLAN Support for Atheros Interfaces
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.5 now supports Wake on Wireless LAN (WoWLAN) for Atheros wifi interfaces. The WoWLAN functionality allows users to power up systems remotely, thus ensuring efficient and unattended managing of the systems.
SR-IOV Functionality in the qlcnic Driver
Support for Single Root I/O virtualization (SR-IOV) has been added to the
qlcnic driver as a Technology Preview. Support for this functionality will be provided directly by QLogic, and customers are encouraged to provide feedback to QLogic and Red Hat. Other functionality in the qlcnic driver remains fully supported.
Support for Emulex BladeEngine 3 R
Support for the Emulex BladeEngine 3 R (BE3R) controller has been added in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.5.
Support for Emulex FCoE CNA 40G
Support for Emulex Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) Converged Network Adapter (CNA)40G has been added in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.5.
SR-IOV Support on Broadcom Controllers
Single root I/O virtualization (SR-IOV) is now supported on these Broadcom controllers: BCM57810S, BCM57810, BCM57712, BCM57800, BCM57810, BCM57840, and BCM57811. This allows a network interface controller (NIC) to be shared by KVM guests on the KVM host.
