A network socket is an end point for exchanging data over a network. Think of a socket as a physical address: information passing through the computer’s network is routed to a specific socket on the computer itself. A raw socket is a type of network socket that allows a software application on the computer to send and retrieve information packets from the network without using the computer’s operating system as an intermediary. In other words, it allows direct communication between a program and an external source without the intervention of the main operating system of the computer.
man holding computer
The main advantage of using raw socket networking is that it cuts out the middle man. Since the operating system does not specifically handle data, it reduces network overhead, saves central processing unit (CPU) cycles, and reduces stress on system hardware. A raw socket provides a fast tunnel between an application and an external source. Neither the operating system nor any other program on the computer has the ability to interfere with a raw connection.
Raw socket network interfaces have a drawback. Although. Hackers often use raw socket connections to stage Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) attacks on a network. During a TCP attack, a hacker sends a spoofed bit of data to the network through a raw socket connection. This spoofed data contains a reset signal for the TCP connection, which in turn interrupts and blocks current network connections on the computer.
For this reason, some operating systems have dropped support for raw sockets. The reason for this is that it can help ensure network security. Software companies can restrict users’ ability to use raw sockets by employing what is called a “hotfix,” a permanent update to the operating system. These updates did not have a significant negative impact on the user experience, as the benefits of raw sockets diminished as the technology improved.
For modern computers, the amount of additional processing required to handle normal socket connections instead of raw sockets is so minimal that it becomes irrelevant. With modern processors coming in dual, quad, and even six core varieties, the chances of regular network connections slowing down your computer are negligible. For this reason, unless there is a specific justification for using a raw socket connection over a standard network socket, the risk posed by hackers and TCP attacks on the network outweighs any benefit.
