SoftIRQ Processing

SoftIRQ processing is the mechanism used by the Linux kernel to handle deferred tasks, often related to networking, that do not require immediate hardware-level attention. When a hardware interrupt occurs, it often triggers a SoftIRQ to complete the processing of the packet or event in a more flexible context.

If not managed correctly, SoftIRQ processing can become a source of unpredictable latency for high-frequency trading applications. Engineers often tune the kernel to limit or isolate SoftIRQ execution to prevent it from interfering with the main trading loop.

By managing how these deferred tasks are scheduled, firms can maintain the tight execution windows required for modern electronic financial markets.