The Calico VPP data plane makes it easy to extend and experiment with the Kubernetes network, particularly for high-performance networking applications.
- Calico VPP is a data plane that uses VPP as a data plane for pod traffic in Calico.
- VPP brings a lot to the table for custom networking requirements and network-intensive applications.
- The host stack can be enabled for a pod with an annotation, providing a substantial performance boost.
- Regular Kubernetes networking features apply to traffic processed through either MIF or the host stack.
- AF packet or AF XDP sockets can be used under the interface in the pod without Calico VPP, but performance is lower.