VPP Dataplane Limitations

VPP Dataplane provides significant performance advantages, but has some limitations you should consider.

Feature Parity

VPP does not support all features available in the Linux kernel dataplane. Some networking features, specific protocols, or services may not be available.

While VPP supports various interface types similar to the kernel, their capabilities may differ.
NIC and Driver Compatibility

VyOS currently supports only DPDK drivers for network interfaces. Not all network interface cards are compatible with DPDK drivers.
Data Path Limitations

If a feature exists only in the kernel dataplane, traffic that uses that feature cannot traverse VPP interfaces. Examples include:
- Firewall
- QoS
When traffic uses the pure VPP path, it does not reach the kernel, where such features are implemented. Plan how traffic flows through your VyOS instance to ensure it reaches the necessary features.

VPP provides native alternatives for some features. For example, VPP native ACLs provide basic firewall functionality.