Re: [RFC PATCH 2/3] netdev: kernel-only IFF_HIDDEN netdevice

[Jiri Pirko <jiri@resnulli.us>]

Wed, Apr 04, 2018 at 03:04:26AM CEST, dsahern@gmail.com wrote:
>On 4/3/18 9:42 AM, Jiri Pirko wrote:
>>>
>>> There are other use cases that want to hide a device from userspace. I
>> 
>> What usecases do you have in mind?
>
>As mentioned in a previous response some kernel drivers create control
>netdevs. Just as in this case users should not be mucking with it, and

virtio_net. Any other drivers?


>S/W like lldpd should ignore it.

It's just a matter of identification of the netdevs, so the user knows
what to do.


>
>> 
>>> would prefer a better solution than playing games with name prefixes and
>>> one that includes an API for users to list all devices -- even ones
>>> hidden by default.
>> 
>> Netdevice hiding feels a bit scarry for me. This smells like a workaround
>> for userspace issues. Why can't the netdevice be visible always and
>> userspace would know what is it and what should it do with it?
>> 
>> Once we start with hiding, there are other things related to that which
>> appear. Like who can see what, levels of visibility etc...
>> 
>
>I would not advocate for any API that does not allow users to have full
>introspection. The intent is to hide the netdev by default but have an
>option to see it.

As an administrator, I want to see all by default. I think it is
reasonable requirements. Again, this awfully smells like a workaround...