Linaro Networking Group

The Linaro Networking Group (LNG) is dedicated to accelerating Linux ARM networking ecosystem development. Developing the base platform for diverse and complex networking applications requires a significant amount of software that addresses common challenges. LNG will deliver this as an enhanced core Linux platform for networking equipment. 

 

 

• Virtualization support with considerations for real-time performance, I/O optimization, robustness and heterogeneous operating environments on multi-core SoCs.
• Real-time operations and the Linux kernel optimizations for the control and data plane.
• Packet processing optimizations that maximize performance and minimize latency in data flows through the network.
• Dealing with legacy software and mixed-endian issues prevalent in the networking space.

 

LNG will accelerate the ARM networking and Linux software ecosystem by collaborating to identify and close gaps in the software ecosystem that will benefit all. ARM, Equipment OEMs, Silicon Partners and Distribution partners will be able to leverage and extend upon Linaro’s existing shared engineering and open source collaboration structures. LNG offers a forum for members to agree and implement standards. ARM SoC diversity offers choice and innovation. LNG offers Distributions and OEMs the prospect of common tested software stacks across multiple SoC vendors.

 

A steering committee formed from member representatives will drive the LNG engineering team. The team will build on Linaro’s experience of bringing ecosystem companies together to work on common solutions and enable OEMs, commercial Linux providers and SoC vendors to collaborate in a neutral environment.

 

LNG will leverage the proven Linaro engineering process: a steering committee defines high level tasks - be it heavy lifting “mighty” projects or quick “low hanging fruit” optimizations - and the corresponding priorities and timelines as “cards”. The technical leaders in the engineering team will then analyze each card and break it into multiple smaller and more detailed tasks, each one with a clear requirement and acceptance constraints for completion. Once the engineers are assigned, work will enter the development phase.

 

LNG will leverage all Linaro core teams, e.g. the Kernel, Power Management and toolchain groups, who will contribute to LNG activities with their expertise, resources and deliverables.