The Linux networking code is a brand new implementation of kernel based tcp/ip networking. It has been developed from scratch and is not a port of any existing kernel networking code.
The Linux networking is some of the newest and most innovative kernel based networking code around. There are many developers working on pressing it into service for many new applications and tasks and because of this it is growing rapidly. It is in a constant state of flux and it may still have a number of bugs or problems with it and there may be a number of fixes and patches released. If you are worried about problems then just stick to the version of network code released with the standard kernel releases and utility sets. These standard kernel releases are denoted by an even number in the second digit, 1.2.7 for example is a production release. The kernel versions with an odd number as the second digit are alpha versions and you should expect to find problems or bugs with these version as they are test releases. The networking code has a small team of dedicated people working on it, with a cast of thousands testing the code, collecting and reporting bugs and problems, providing fixes for problems. Any problem you experience is likely to have already been reported and be being worked on and will possibly be corrected soon, so be patient, or if you can help, offer your assistance.
We do not and cannot know everything there is to know about the Linux network software. Please accept and be warned that this document probably does contain errors. Please read any README files that are included with any of the various pieces of software described in this document for more detailed and accurate information. We will attempt to keep this document as error-free and up-to-date as possible. Versions of software are current as at time of writing.
NOTE: While its name may appear similar to the Berkeley Software Distribution NET-2 release, the Linux network code actually has nothing at all to do with it. Please don't confuse them.