The impact of different Container Network Interface (CNI) drivers on latency and throughput for Edge workloads can vary based on several factors. These factors include the specific CNI driver used, the underlying network infrastructure, workload characteristics, and deployment configurations. Here are some general insights:
- CNI driver performance—Different CNI drivers may have varying performance characteristics, including latency and throughput. Some CNI drivers are designed to prioritize low latency, while others focus on maximizing throughput. Choosing a CNI driver that aligns with the performance requirements of your Edge workloads.
- Latency—Latency refers to the time it takes for a network packet to travel from the source to the destination. Lower latency is critical for Edge workloads that require real-time or near-real-time responsiveness. Some CNI drivers, such as those based on user space networking (for example, OVS-DPDK), can offer reduced latency compared to kernel-based CNI drivers.
- Throughput—Throughput represents the data transmitted over the network within a given time. High throughput is essential for Edge workloads that involve data-intensive tasks such as video streaming or large file transfers. Specific CNI drivers, like those leveraging kernel bypass techniques (for example, SR-IOV), can enhance throughput capabilities.
- Workload characteristics—The specific nature of the Edge workloads, such as their communication patterns, data size, and real-time requirements, can influence latency and throughput. Workloads with high intercommunication or stringent latency constraints may benefit from CNI drivers that prioritize low-latency networking.
Figure 16. Example of Impact of payload size on different CNI
Different CNI drivers can impact latency and throughput for your specific Edge workloads. To assess them accurately, Dell Technologies and Intel® recommend that you conduct performance testing and benchmarking in your target environment. Testing and benchmarking can help determine the most suitable CNI driver and network configurations to achieve the wanted performance objectives.
Research paper evaluating multiple CNI drivers: http://www.dre.vanderbilt.edu/~gokhale/WWW/papers/IC2E21_CNI_Eval.pdf