---
title: Using High Performance Networking
slug: zixi-broadcaster-v18/using-high-performance-networking
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-12-25T19:39:47.251Z
---

**Introduction to High-Performance Networking (DPDK)** 

Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK) is a set of libraries and drivers that enables fast packet processing by bypassing the kernel network stack. In the context of Zixi Broadcaster, DPDK provides a high-performance networking mode that dramatically enhances throughput and reduces latency for media streaming applications. 

**How DPDK Works** 

Traditional network processing involves multiple context switches between user space and kernel space, which introduces latency and CPU overhead. DPDK eliminates these bottlenecks by: 

- **Kernel Bypass:** Network traffic is handled directly by the Zixi Broadcaster application in user space 
- **Poll Mode Drivers:** Continuously polls for packets instead of using interrupts 
- **Huge Pages:** Uses large memory pages to reduce TLB misses 
- **CPU Affinity:** Dedicates CPU cores to packet processing 
- **Zero-Copy:** Minimizes memory copies during packet processing 

**Key Benefits and Performance Gains** 

** 2-3x Performance Improvement** 

Achieve 2 to 3 times greater performance for UDP, RTP, Zixi, and RIST protocols. This allows you to: 

- Handle more concurrent streams with the same hardware 
- Reduce infrastructure costs by up to 60% 
- Support higher bitrate streams without dropping packets 

**No Traffic Limitations Per Port** 

DPDK eliminates traditional networking bottlenecks: 

- No queue limitations per port 
- No buffer overflow errors 
- Scale to full network capacity on a single machine 
- Fully utilize all available compute resources 

**Enhanced Security** 

Improved isolation and security through: 

- Dedicated NIC for DPDK traffic only 
- Traffic bypasses the operating system entirely 
- No exposure to OS services, SSH, or other applications 
- Reduced attack surface for network-based threats 

[Requirements](docId:0l85jFgC5PWp6y-u23Y7q) 

[Installation](docId\:D2a0jrJofJifuqtR8JKYN) 

[Enabling the High-Performance Networking Feature (DPDK)](docId:37137sC8yzi5y_tose9_B) 

[Using High Performance Networking](docId\:UMxCKfeISJluQZUbGEsNI)