How Linux BPF Ring Buffers Deliver High-Throughput Data

In this episode of The Linux Podcast with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive into the BPF ring buffer, a high-performance data structure introduced in Linux kernel 5.8 that lets eBPF programs pass events to user space with minimal overhead. They explain how it works, why it beats the old perf buffer under heavy load, and where it matters — from real-time monitoring to packet capture. Using examples like a network observability tool that drops zero events during a 10 Gbps traffic spike, they compare ring buffers with perf buffers, discuss memory ordering, reservation and submission, and the trade-offs when you need multiple CPUs. They also touch on practical tips: when to use BPF_RB_F_NO_POLICY, how to handle backpressure, and why it's a go-to for high-throughput telemetry. If you're building eBPF tools or just want to understand modern kernel data paths, this episode gives you a concrete mental model. Plus a quick note on listener support. Tune in for a focused, practical look at one of the kernel's most useful structures. #BPFRingBuffer #EBPF #LinuxKernel #HighThroughput #Observability #PacketCapture #KernelData #Performance #Linux #Technology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LinuxPodcast #OpenSource #KernelDevelopment #Sysadmin #DevOps #DataEngineering Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo