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DStack Core Components Overview

This page provides an overview of dstack’s core components and guides you through understanding their technical implementation. Each component plays a crucial role in creating secure, confidential computing environments. For a high-level conceptual overview, start with Basic Components. This page focuses on the technical implementation details and how components interact.

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Component Responsibilities

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Host Components (Run on Physical Host)

VMM (Virtual Machine Manager)
  • Orchestrates CVM lifecycle and resource allocation
  • Provides RPC API, Host API, Guest API, and Web UI interfaces
  • Manages VM networking, storage, and GPU passthrough
  • Integrates with KMS for secure boot processes
Gateway (Network Proxy)
  • Handles TLS termination and WireGuard VPN connections
  • Routes external traffic to CVMs using domain-based routing
  • Manages certificate provisioning and renewal via Let’s Encrypt
  • Provides cluster synchronization for high availability
KMS (Key Management Service)
  • Provides enterprise-grade cryptographic services with blockchain integration
  • Supports three boot modes: Non-KMS, Local-Key-Provider, and KMS
  • Handles remote attestation and key distribution
  • Manages certificate authority and signing operations

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CVM Components (Run Inside Confidential VMs)

dstack-os (Operating System)
  • Minimal, secure Linux foundation with TDX attestation
  • Provides secure boot process with UEFI and measured boot
  • Handles full disk encryption initialization
  • Manages system services and container runtime
tdxctl (TDX Control Utility)
  • Provides secure boot and encryption utilities
  • Handles full disk encryption setup with LUKS
  • Manages Runtime Measurement Register (RTMR) extensions
  • Supports data sealing and attestation operations
Guest Agent (Runtime Services)
  • Manages container lifecycle using containerd
  • Provides security services including attestation and key derivation
  • Exposes REST API via Unix socket for application integration
  • Handles registration with Gateway and KMS services

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DStack Implementation Path

To understand dstack’s implementation in detail, follow this recommended reading order:
  1. VMM Core - Start here to understand VM orchestration and lifecycle management
  2. Gateway Core - Learn about network routing, TLS, and WireGuard VPN
  3. KMS Core - Dive into key management, attestation, and cryptographic services
  4. Guest Agent Core - Understand container management and runtime services
  5. TDXctl Core - Explore TDX utilities and secure boot processes
  6. OS Core - Learn about the minimal secure operating system foundation
Each component page provides detailed configuration examples, API references, and operational guidance.

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Next Steps

Start with VMM Core →Explore Networking