Modules in Linux A kernel module is a software that can be loaded into or unloaded from the kernel upon call for, without necessarily recompiling it (the kernel) or rebooting the system, and is intended to enhance the functionality of the kernel.
In general software program phrases, modules are greater or much less like plugins to a software inclusive of WordPress. Plugins offer means to extend software program functionality, without them, builders would ought to build a unmarried massive software with all functionalities integrated in a package. If new functionalities are wanted, they would need to be introduced in new versions of a software program.
Likewise with out modules, the kernel would need to be constructed with all functionalities included immediately into the kernel image. This could imply having larger kernels, and gadget directors might need to recompile the kernel each time a new functionality is needed.
An easy instance of a module is a tool driving force – which enables the kernel to get admission to a hardware component/device linked to the machine.
List All Loaded Kernel Modules in Linux
In Linux, all modules quit with them. Ko extension and they are normally loaded mechanically because the hardware is detected at system boot. However, a gadget administrator can control the modules the use of certain commands.
To list all presently loaded modules in Linux, we are able to use the lsmod (listing modules) command which reads the contents of /proc/modules like this.
Module Size Used by
rfcomm 69632 2
pci_stub 16384 1
vboxpci 24576 0
vboxnetadp 28672 0
vboxnetflt 28672 0
vboxdrv 454656 3 vboxnetadp,vboxnetflt,vboxpci
bnep 20480 2
rtsx_usb_ms 20480 0
memstick 20480 1 rtsx_usb_ms
btusb 45056 0
uvcvideo 90112 0
btrtl 16384 1 btusb
btbcm 16384 1 btusb
videobuf2_vmalloc 16384 1 uvcvideo
btintel 16384 1 btusb
videobuf2_memops 16384 1 videobuf2_vmalloc
bluetooth 520192 29 bnep,btbcm,btrtl,btusb,rfcomm,btintel
videobuf2_v4l2 28672 1 uvcvideo
videobuf2_core 36864 2 uvcvideo,videobuf2_v4l2
v4l2_common 16384 1 videobuf2_v4l2
videodev 176128 4 uvcvideo,v4l2_common,videobuf2_core,videobuf2_v4l2
intel_rapl 20480 0
x86_pkg_temp_thermal 16384 0
media 24576 2 uvcvideo,videodev
....How to Load and Unload (Remove) Kernel Modules in Linux
To load a kernel module, we can use the insmod (insert module) command. Here, we have to specify the full path of the module. The command below will insert the SpeedStep-lib.ko module.
# insmod /lib/modules/4.4.0-21-generic/kernel/drivers/cpufreq/speedstep-lib.ko To dump a kernel module, we use the rmmod (cast off module) command. The following instance will unload or do away with the SpeedStep-lib.Ko module.
# rmmod /lib/modules/4.4.0-21-generic/kernel/drivers/cpufreq/speedstep-lib.ko How to Manage Kernel Modules Using modprobe Command
Modprobe is an sensible command for listing, putting as well as removing modules from the kernel. It searches inside the module listing /lib/modules/$(uname -r) for all of the modules and related documents, however excludes opportunity configuration files in the /and so on/modprobe.D directory.
Here, you don’t want the absolute path of a module; that is the benefit of the usage of modprobe over the preceding instructions.
To insert a module, clearly provide its name as follows.
# modprobe speedstep-libTo do away with a module, use the -r flag like this.
# modprobe -r speedstep-libNote: Under modprobe, automatic underscore conversion is achieved, so there’s no distinction between _ and – even as entering module names.
For more user data and alternatives, examine thru the modprobe guy page.
# man modprobeDo not forget about to check out:
1.How to Change Kernel Runtime Parameters in a Persistent and Non-Persistent Way 2. How to Install or Upgrade to Latest Kernel Version in CentOS 7 3.How to Upgrade Kernel to Latest Version in Ubuntu