Lionel Jouin
Software Engineer at Red Hat
Actions
Lionel Jouin is a Red Hat Software Engineer based in Stockholm, Sweden, and a former Ericsson Engineer. With a strong interest in open-source, cloud-native and networking technologies, he contributes to the evolution of Kubernetes with a focus on bringing native support in Kubernetes for secondary networks and its ecosystem, including Services, Network Policies, and declarative networking. As an active CNI maintainer, he is currently focused on developing the CNI-DRA-Driver. He holds a master's degree in Computer Science from Uppsala University.
Area of Expertise
Breaking the Single-Network Barrier: A Cross-Domain Look at Kubernetes Multi-Networking
Kubernetes multi-network support has been a long-standing challenge, the journey toward native multi-network capabilities has been complex and slow. But why? This panel brings together experts from diverse domains to discuss scenarios such as high-performance networking with advanced capabilities like RDMA for AI/ML, telco, and cloud gaming, network isolation for security, compliance, and multi-tenancy, VM connectivity and connectivity to on-premises infrastructure such as datacenter VLANs or EVPN fabrics. Together, they will examine the architectural challenges of integrating multiple networks into Kubernetes, recent upstream developments such as the DRA feature, and how communities such as SIG Network and WG Device Management are driving progress across the ecosystem. Join this interactive session to learn where multi-network support stands today, where it's heading, and to engage directly with upstream contributors and maintainers to share questions and real-world use cases.
Writing your own Kubernetes Network Driver using DRA
Kubernetes networking is changing significantly by moving beyond traditional technologies to meet the demands of complex and evolving needs for AI and telecommunications applications. This talk delves into the next generation of Kubernetes networking by exploring the creation of a network driver using the Dynamic Resource Allocation (DRA) framework. We aim to simplify complex concepts, highlight the benefits of this flexible and adaptable approach, and offer a practical guide to help you get started with this innovative technology.
As active Kubernetes developers in networking and part of the WG Device Management group developing DRA, we have both contributed to modeling the existing API and created DRA Networking drivers, some of which are already used in production. The presenters will provide attendees with practical, field-tested knowledge and best practices derived from their unique position in developing and deploying DRA.
Uncharted Waters: Dynamic Resource Allocation for Networking
In last year’s naval engagement, the multi-network fleet launched a bold assault on Kubernetes SIG-Network’s defenses, led by the flagship proposal, the USS Pod Spec Modification. But under heavy fire from SIG-Network’s coastal batteries, the mission was repelled, leaving both sides to regroup and rethink their strategies.
Now, as the fog of war clears, the fleet has charted a new course. Instead of another frontal assault on the Pod spec stronghold, the focus shifts to the versatile and Kubernetes-native waters of Dynamic Resource Allocation (DRA). This tactical pivot could outflank SIG-Network’s defenses, introducing the DRA CNI Driver and a new era for Kubernetes networking.
Join us to explore how DRA reshapes networking in Kubernetes, what it means for your clusters, and how you can help steer this upstream effort. From strategy to implementation, we’ll unpack what’s next in the ongoing naval battle of Kubernetes networking.
Reimagining Cloud-Native Networks: The Critical Role of DRA
As AI/ML, high-performance and telecom workloads are progressing in their cloud-native journey, the unique platform requirements inherent to the nature of their functionality are exposing the limitations of existing solutions such as Multus and device plugins. Device Resource Allocation (DRA) offers a fresh approach overcoming these challenges with better resource management for non-homogeneous platforms, topology-aware use cases and beyond! By leveraging the latest Kubernetes features, DRA Drivers are redefining the network interface configuration and enhancing capabilities for multi-network deployments. This talk explores the evolving cloud-native networking landscape and the trade-offs between extending Kubernetes and leveraging add-on components. We will delve into recent advancements including the network device status with KEP-4817, the virtual device allocation with KEP-5075 and the role of the CNI-DRA-Driver in shaping the future of cloud-native networking infrastructure.
Multi-Network Step-by-Step: Enabling SR-IOV Support From Kubernetes Network (DRA) Drivers
The SIG-Network community is on track to deliver official multi-network support in Kubernetes, using Dynamic Resource Allocation (DRA) and the PodNetwork resource to streamline NIC allocation and management. This innovation simplifies the creation of advanced networking for high-bandwidth AI/ML, Telco, and HPC workloads, integrating natively with Kubernetes rather than traditional Multus-based methods. The CNI DRA Driver, as a reference implementation, bridges DRA and CNI, enabling seamless Pod network interface configuration.
With this innovation, users gain transparent NIC usage visibility and fine-grained control, such as bandwidth allocation per Virtual Function (VF) of a physical NIC, optimizing performance and predictability.
This session will cover the design and implementation, and feature a demo of the enhanced driver. Attendees will learn practical methods for managing advanced NICs like SR-IOV in Kubernetes and gain insights into the latest Multi-network project updates.
Panel: Are we there yet? Native Kubernetes networking for telecom workloads
Kubernetes and the cloud native paradigm is beneficial not for web services, but for telecom and networking workloads also. These telecom and networking workloads have more special requirements for the platform due to the nature of their functionality. One big area for these extra requirements is networking. The cloud native ecosystem responded to these needs with a couple of additions to Kubernetes, but these can not provide complete functionality without modifications in Kubernetes itself. In this panel leading experts in Kubernetes networking who are in the forefront of developing and providing these additional features will discuss what are the still missing features, how to find a balance between modifying Kubernetes and providing an add-on components, and what are the limitations of modifying Kubernetes.
Panel: Kubernetes networking: present and future
Networking in Kubernetes is critical for telecom workloads. The available capabilities and solutions in the platform dictate what kind of capabilities can be built on top. In the last years work started to revolutionize how networks can be consumed in Kubernetes, but at the same time the current solutions are deployed in all telecom cloud solutions. With the increasing amount of AI workloads the networking demand for Kubernetes is changing what can alter expectations of telecom workloads. In this constant state of flux our panel aims to show what is the state of Kubernetes networking in 2026 and what are the foreseeable future directions.
This panel of distinguished experts of Kubernetes networking will discuss the current state of Kubernetes networking and the areas of development. We will explore the evolution options of the topic for the next 1 – 5of years and share our vision on how Kubernetes networks will be consumed in 2031.
Kubernetes Network Driver Unpacked: Modularity, Trade-offs and the Road Ahead
This panel brings together contributors from several pioneering Kubernetes Network (DRA) Drivers (KND), including the CNI-DRA-Driver and DraNet to explore how the Device Resource Allocation (DRA) framework is transforming Kubernetes networking through modular, composable, and interoperable components.
Panelists will share early experiences with DRA for networking, lessons learned, and trade-offs between building a single, complete KND (Kubernetes Network Driver) versus an ecosystem of smaller, purpose-driven ones. They will also discuss how to balance imperative and declarative models, maintain simplicity while ensuring extensibility, and what these choices mean for vendors, developers, and end users.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of where the ecosystem is headed and what paths exist toward interoperability across projects. Whether you are a cluster operator, vendor, or contributor, this session will help you navigate the next generation of Kubernetes networking.
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Japan 2026 Sessionize Event
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2026 Sessionize Event
CNCF-Hosted Co-located Events Europe 2026 Sessionize Event
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America 2025 Sessionize Event
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Japan 2025 Sessionize Event
KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Europe 2025 Sessionize Event
CNCF-hosted Co-located Events Europe 2025 Sessionize Event
Please note that Sessionize is not responsible for the accuracy or validity of the data provided by speakers. If you suspect this profile to be fake or spam, please let us know.
Jump to top