Network Stack

Definitions

1. The layered set of protocols and software components in an operating system that processes network traffic — from the NIC driver and IP layer through TCP/UDP to the socket API — each layer adding headers or handling concerns like fragmentation, retransmission, and congestion control.

   In plain English: All the layers of software inside a computer that work together to send and receive data over a network.

   Example: "The kernel bypass approach maps the NIC directly to user space, skipping the OS network stack entirely for sub-microsecond latency."

Related Terms

• Service Mesh
• Client
• Domain
• HTTP
• Protocol
• Remoting
• Port
• Shared Library
• Socket