Chapter 22. Extending the Linux Network Architecture Functionality KIDS
component instances: This chapter deals with the introduction of new, dynamically extendable functionalities in the Linux network architecture or in the Linux kernel. We will first show the usual approach to manage dynamically extendable functionalities and the operations generally involved in this approach.
Subsequently, we will use Linux KIDS, the implementation of a construction system to support network services, to show how a dynamically extendable functionality can be managed. Another interesting aspect of Linux KIDS is how its object-oriented concept is implemented in the Linux kernel, considering that the Linux kernel was not designed with object orientation in mind.
In addition, we will explain how the KIDS components can be embedded into the processes of protocol instances over existing interfaces, which means that you can use the functionality of Linux KIDS without having to change the kernel source code. Finally, this chapter describes how you can use a character-oriented device to configure the KIDS construction system, allowing you to easily configure this functionality in the kernel.
