From: Jason Xing kernelxing@tencent.com
[ Upstream commit 285ad7477559b6b5ceed10ba7ecfed9d17c0e7c6 ]
Make sure the call of skb_tx_timestamp is as close as possible to the doorbell.
Signed-off-by: Jason Xing kernelxing@tencent.com Link: https://patch.msgid.link/20250510134812.48199-2-kerneljasonxing@gmail.com Signed-off-by: Jakub Kicinski kuba@kernel.org Signed-off-by: Sasha Levin sashal@kernel.org ---
**YES** This commit should be backported to stable kernel trees. Here's my comprehensive analysis: ## Primary Analysis **This is a timestamp accuracy fix that addresses when software timestamps are recorded relative to hardware transmission**. The commit moves `skb_tx_timestamp(skb)` from before the hardware doorbell to immediately after it, ensuring timestamps are recorded as close as possible to actual packet transmission. ## Code Change Analysis ### What Changed 1. **In `aq_main.c`**: Removed `skb_tx_timestamp(skb)` from the main transmission path 2. **In `aq_nic.c`**: Added `skb_tx_timestamp(skb)` in `aq_nic_xmit()` right after `aq_nic_map_skb()` but before the hardware doorbell via `hw_ring_tx_xmit()` ### Critical Timing Issue Fixed The original sequence was: ```c // BEFORE (problematic): skb_tx_timestamp(skb); // Timestamp recorded before hardware notification return aq_nic_xmit(aq_nic, skb); └─ frags = aq_nic_map_skb(self, skb, ring); └─ hw_ring_tx_xmit() // Hardware doorbell rung HERE ``` The fixed sequence is: ```c // AFTER (correct): return aq_nic_xmit(aq_nic, skb); └─ frags = aq_nic_map_skb(self, skb, ring); └─ skb_tx_timestamp(skb); // Timestamp recorded right before hardware doorbell └─ hw_ring_tx_xmit() // Hardware doorbell rung immediately after ``` ## Backporting Assessment ### 1. **Fixes Important Timing Bug** ✅ - **Software timestamp accuracy** is critical for network applications, especially PTP (Precision Time Protocol) - **Wrong timestamp ordering** can cause timing skew and affect time-sensitive applications - **Low-latency networking** applications depend on accurate TX timestamps ### 2. **Minimal Risk** ✅ - **Small, contained change**: Only moves one function call - **No behavioral changes**: Same timestamp function, just better timing - **No architectural modifications**: Same code path, different ordering - **No new dependencies**: Uses existing functionality ### 3. **Clear Bug Fix** ✅ - **Specific problem**: Timestamps recorded too early in TX pipeline - **Well-defined solution**: Move timestamp closer to hardware transmission - **Matches stable criteria**: Important bugfix with minimal regression risk ### 4. **Comparison with Similar Commits** This commit is **nearly identical** to Similar Commit #1 (marked YES for backporting): - **Subject: "nfp: TX time stamp packets before HW doorbell is rung"** - **Same exact issue**: Moving timestamp call to be closer to hardware doorbell - **Same pattern**: `skb_tx_timestamp(skb)` moved from after to before hardware notification - **Same stable tree acceptance**: The NFP driver fix was accepted The only differences are: - Different driver (atlantic vs nfp) - Same underlying network timing issue - Same solution approach ### 5. **User Impact** ✅ - **Affects all atlantic driver users** who rely on software timestamps - **Time- sensitive applications** like PTP, trading systems, and real-time monitoring - **Improves timestamp precision** without breaking existing functionality ### 6. **Stable Tree Compatibility** ✅ - **No API changes**: Uses standard `skb_tx_timestamp()` function - **No kernel version dependencies**: Should work across stable versions - **Self- contained**: Limited to atlantic driver code ## Conclusion This commit meets all stable backporting criteria: - **Fixes important timestamp accuracy bug** - **Minimal regression risk** - **Clear, contained solution** - **Matches proven pattern** from Similar Commit #1 (NFP driver fix) - **Benefits time-sensitive network applications** The fix ensures software timestamps are recorded as close as possible to when hardware actually starts transmitting packets, which is crucial for applications requiring precise timing information.
drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_main.c | 1 - drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_nic.c | 2 ++ 2 files changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)
diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_main.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_main.c index 0b2a52199914b..75d436c906968 100644 --- a/drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_main.c +++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_main.c @@ -123,7 +123,6 @@ static netdev_tx_t aq_ndev_start_xmit(struct sk_buff *skb, struct net_device *nd } #endif
- skb_tx_timestamp(skb); return aq_nic_xmit(aq_nic, skb); }
diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_nic.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_nic.c index c9b0d57696a48..07392174f6437 100644 --- a/drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_nic.c +++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_nic.c @@ -898,6 +898,8 @@ int aq_nic_xmit(struct aq_nic_s *self, struct sk_buff *skb)
frags = aq_nic_map_skb(self, skb, ring);
+ skb_tx_timestamp(skb); + if (likely(frags)) { err = self->aq_hw_ops->hw_ring_tx_xmit(self->aq_hw, ring, frags);