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Docker Deep Dive: Advanced Techniques

Docker Networking Theory

Explore the foundational concepts of Docker networking by understanding the Container Network Model, libnetwork implementation, and network drivers. This lesson helps you grasp how containers connect and communicate through isolated network stacks, virtual interfaces, and various network topologies managed by drivers.

We'll cover the following...

At the highest level, Docker networking is based on the following three components:

  • The Container Network Model (CNM): The CNM is the design specification and outlines the fundamental building blocks of a Docker network.

  • Libnetwork: Libnetwork is a real-world implementation of the CNM. It’s open-sourced as part of the Moby project and used by Docker and other platforms.

  • Drivers: Drivers extend the model by implementing specific network topologies such as VXLAN overlay networks.

The figure below shows all three.

CNM, libnetwork, and drivers at a high level
CNM, libnetwork, and drivers at a high level

Let’s take a look at each one in detail.

The Container Network Model (CNM)

Everything starts with a design. The design guide for Docker networking is the CNM that outlines the fundamental building blocks of a Docker network. We recommend you read the ...