Frequently asked questions for Netsukuku
Why does pyntk need stackless python to run?
Directly from the mailing list:
With stackless Python we can use as many microthreads as we like, without
wasting memory and cpu. Normal kernel threads wouldn't allow this.
F,e, it isn't a problem to launch a microthread for every received packet.
However, another major benefits of microthreads is the possibility to
realise the integrated pyntk simulator:
the simulator (you can find in pyntk/ntk/sim) is a Discrete Event
Simulator. It can simulates a virtual network. The nice thing is
that, with Python we've been able to insert the sim under the whole
pyntk code: f.e. we wrap directly socket.py! In this way, to simulate
something: just launch N pyntk virtual instances in a simulated
network, and let the simulator run. The pyntks you're going to simulate
are exactly those of real life pyntk code.
To clarify: if you see that the simulation goes smooth, without a
single node crashing, then this will happen in reality, too.
(the integrated simulator works right now: see test/sim/ )
Is there a simple way to test Netsukuku (python version) on a actual small network?
The python code is complete, but needs to be debugged! So it isn't operative yet. If you've got time, read the code, load up pdb (python debugger) and submit patches.
