Network Emulations using Linux Network Namespaces

Performing network experiments and studying network protocol behavior is a non-trivial process. The most commonly used approach to perform network experiments is to set up a physical testbed that closely represents the desired network. But it is expensive even for relatively small networks and more importantly, not scalable. Linux network namespaces are a suitable alternative to physical testbeds because we can quickly set up a lightweight emulation testbed for the experimental evaluation. Setting up a network environment in a single system using network namespaces enhances the reproducibility aspects, and minimizes the maintenance and cost overhead.

This talk will discuss the following aspects of Linux network namespaces:

1. Introduction to Linux network namespaces (netns)
2. Creating virtual nodes and routers using Linux netns 
3. Creating virtual links between nodes and routers
4. Configuring data rate and delay between the nodes and routers
5. Assigning IP addresses to virtual nodes and routers
6. Checking the connectivity between virtual nodes using ping
7. Running iperf3 to verify the configuration of data rates