Linux Kernel 6.18 Brings Major Hardware Support Updates While Deprecating Legacy ISDN

Major Hardware Additions in Linux 6.18

The Linux kernel continues its rapid evolution with version 6.18 introducing substantial hardware support improvements, according to recent reports from Phoronix. Sources indicate the new release will include the AMD-Pensando Ionic RDMA driver, providing enhanced remote direct memory access capabilities for data center and high-performance computing environments. Additionally, analysts suggest Intel’s IPU E2000 hardware will receive official kernel support, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between major hardware vendors and the Linux development community.

Major Hardware Additions in Linux 6.18
Legacy ISDN Subsystem Facing Removal
Balancing Innovation and Legacy Support
Impact on Enterprise and Data Center Deployments
Historical Context of Kernel Modernization
Future Implications for Kernel Development

Legacy ISDN Subsystem Facing Removal

In a parallel development that highlights the kernel’s continuous modernization, reports state that Linux may finally orphan its Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) subsystem. The report states this legacy telecommunications technology has seen dramatically reduced usage as modern broadband and fiber optic solutions have become ubiquitous. According to industry analysts, the ISDN subsystem has been largely unmaintained for years, with few developers actively working on the aging codebase.

Balancing Innovation and Legacy Support

The contrasting developments in Linux 6.18 demonstrate the kernel maintainers’ ongoing challenge of balancing cutting-edge hardware support with legacy system maintenance. While adding support for advanced technologies like RDMA and intelligent processing units, the kernel team must also make difficult decisions about retiring obsolete components. According to reports, the ISDN subsystem represents exactly the type of legacy technology that consumes maintenance resources while providing diminishing value to most users.

Impact on Enterprise and Data Center Deployments

Industry observers suggest the new hardware drivers in Linux 6.18 will significantly benefit enterprise and cloud computing environments. The AMD-Pensando Ionic RDMA driver reportedly enables more efficient data transfer between systems, potentially improving performance for distributed applications and storage systems. Meanwhile, Intel’s IPU E2000 support indicates continued investment in infrastructure processing units designed to offload tasks from main CPUs in data center environments.

Historical Context of Kernel Modernization

This isn’t the first time the Linux kernel has deprecated legacy technologies, analysts note. Similar transitions have occurred with older networking protocols, filesystems, and hardware architectures as the computing landscape evolved. The report states that such removals typically follow extensive discussion within the development community and careful consideration of impact on existing users. According to sources, the ISDN subsystem removal follows this established pattern of thoughtful technology retirement.

Future Implications for Kernel Development

The changes in Linux 6.18 reflect broader trends in kernel development priorities, with increased focus on cloud computing, artificial intelligence workloads, and modern data center requirements. While maintaining backward compatibility remains important, developers reportedly must make strategic decisions about where to allocate limited development resources. According to industry analysts, this balance between innovation and maintenance will continue to shape Linux kernel development in the coming years.