Docker Networking – Basics, Network Types & Examples

Docker is a containerization platform that uses OS-level virtualization to package software applications and their dependencies into reusable units called containers. It includes a networking system for managing communications between containers, the Docker host, and the outside world. There are five built-in network drivers: bridge, host, overlay, IPvLAN, and macvlan. The most suitable option is usually the bridge network, which allows containers to communicate with each other using their own IP addresses and DNS names while also having access to your host's network. Host networks are best when you want to bind ports directly to your host's interfaces without any isolation. Overlay networks are required when containers on different Docker hosts need to communicate directly with each other, allowing the creation of distributed environments for high availability. Macvlan networks allow containers to appear as physical devices on your network by assigning them unique MAC addresses. IPvLAN networks offer precise control over container IP addresses and tags. Docker also supports third-party plugins that expand its networking system with additional operating modes.