Packaging eBPF Programs in a Linux Distribution: Challenges & Solutions
UB2.147 | Day 2 | 10:30 - 10:55 | Speakers: Daniel Mellado, Mikel Olasagasti
Abstract
eBPF introduces new challenges for Linux distributions: programs depend on kernel, CO-RE relocations, pinning behavior, and version-aligned bpftool or libbpf tooling. This session looks at what it really takes to package eBPF programs as RPMs and explores specific, real world usecases in Fedora. We’ll explore issues such as pinned maps, privilege models, reproducible builds, SELinux implications, kernel-user ABI considerations, and managing kernel updates without breaking packaged eBPF assets. The talk presents practical solutions, best practices, and tooling ideas to make eBPF a first-class citizen in mainstream distributions.
Speakers
I’m Daniel Mellado, a Principal Software Engineer at Red Hat. My work spans cloud-native networking, Kubernetes, Edge, and OpenShift Observability, where I contribute to the Cloud Monitoring Operator (CMO), Prometheus, Perses, and the Cluster Observability Operator (COO).
In the OpenStack community, I’ve served as a Project Team Lead (PTL) and as a Cross-Project Liaison for Kuryr. I contributed extensively to Kuryr-Kubernetes and its integration with OpenStack Neutron, helping bridge the Kubernetes and OpenStack ecosystems. My work is referenced in the “Leveraging Containers and OpenStack” use-case whitepaper, and I’ve spoken at OpenStack Summits on Kuryr onboarding, hybrid workload networking, and Kubernetes interoperability. I’ve also contributed to upstream networking efforts such as MetalLB.
I’ve been involved with the Kubernetes–OpenStack Special Interest Group (SIG), participating in early efforts to improve interoperability and cross-project collaboration between both communities.
In Fedora, I founded the eBPF SIG, where I focus on packaging and maintaining eBPF tooling. I’m currently working on packaging AYA, improving Rust vendoring workflows, and collaborating on enhancements to rust2rpm to better support Rust-based projects in Fedora.
I’m also a frequent speaker at FOSDEM, DevConf, and ConfigMgmtCamp, sharing insights on cloud-native networking, observability, eBPF, and upstream collaboration. Currently trying to organize Fedora community and Distributions Devrrom for the upcoming FOSDEM XD
Outside of tech… I like to think I’m a pretty great bass player. 😄
Mikel is a Customer Success Executive at Red Hat and has been a passionate FOSS contributor for more than 20 years. His recent contributions focus on Fedora, particularly in packaging, and he is an active member of the Go-SIG.
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