TUN & TAP interfaces

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Comparisons between TUN and TAP interface

LogoWhat Is the TUN Interface Used For? | Baeldung on LinuxBaeldung on Linux
TUN
TAP

TCP/IP layer

Network layer 3 (IP addresses)

Data link layer 2 (MAC addresses)

Routing/Switching

Routes based on IP addresses

Switches based on MAC addresses

Packet type

IP packets only

Ethernet frames (can carry IP, ARP, etc.)

Common usage

VPN tunnels

To act as a L2 switch: connect virtual machines, bridging, etc. - Supports L2 features such as broadcasting ARP, etc.

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