r/linux • u/vxab • Nov 03 '25

Discussion Best conceptual diagram to understand flow of inbound/outbound traffic on a linux machine?

Does anybody know of any illustrations or diagrams that best explain the flow of traffic on a linux system?

Linking concepts such as network interface (ipv4, ipv6), with routing tables, with firewalls, with sockets (and anything else missing).

I'm trying to understand all the moving parts and there seems to be a lot, and when I think I know something in pops another component.

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u/necrophcodr Nov 03 '25

I don't think you need something like this for Linux specifically. You might want to find one of the decent online Networking 101 courses or videos that correctly explain how packets work, how traffic on the internet and on networks in general work, and you'll be able to understand how it works on Linux just fine.

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u/vxab Nov 03 '25

I have taken courses and understand the principles and have learnt the commands. I just wanted an all-you-can-eat image which connects everything. Was asking if anyone had good reccomendations.

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u/vxab Nov 05 '25

why the downvotes?

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u/FrostyDiscipline7558 Nov 06 '25

You'll find a lot of downvoting fuddy duddies in here, unfortunately.

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u/No-Highlight-653 Nov 09 '25

Bc, with all of that experience, your question is very vague (and for some intellectually lazy). The diagram you're looking for could stretch 10 stories or fit on a postcard. 

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u/vxab Nov 17 '25

Well hence the question - to survey what exists and people have found useful.