Patent ID: 8032659
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A shareable network interface controller (NIC) for a computing device having a plurality of operating system domains (OSDs), each OSD having a logically distinct load-store domain, the shareable network interface controller comprising: a bus interface for coupling the shareable NIC to each of the plurality of OSDs within said computing device, the bus interface enabling each OSD to directly access the NIC from within its own logically distinct load-store domain using load-store instructions; a plurality of local resources including distinct local resources for use by each of the OSDs, wherein particular local resources of the plurality of local resources which are associated with a given OSD of the plurality of OSDs are configurable by only the given OSD; one or more global resources for use in processing transactions of all of said plurality of OSDs, wherein a configuration of said one or more global resources affects processing of transactions for all of said OSDs; registration logic, coupled to said bus interface, for registering one of the plurality of OSDs as a master of the shareable network interface controller, wherein the master is an only one of the plurality of OSDs allowed to configure the one or more global resources; and logic configured to couple said controller to a network; wherein data conveyed from each of said plurality of OSDs is conveyed from each of said plurality of OSDs via said bus interface to a network.