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Docker Networking Theory

Docker Networking Theory

Let’s dive deeper into the theory of Docker networking.

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.

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

Let’s take a closer look at each.

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. I recommend you read the specification document, ...