Which part of the system is responsible for launching a container on Node.js, and which handles network connections?

In the context of Node.js and containerization, container management is typically handled by a containerization system such as Docker Engine. Docker Engine is responsible for creating, running, and managing the lifecycle of containers.

Regarding network connections, inside the container, network interfaces and routing are managed by the host operating system's network stack and Docker Networking. Docker creates virtual networks (bridge, overlay, etc.) that provide isolation and routing of traffic between containers and the external network.

Thus:

• Container launch — Docker Engine (docker daemon).
• Network connections — Docker Networking and the OS network stack.