Host bus access by add-on devices via a network interface controller

摘要

Peripheral apparatus for use with a host computer includes an add-on device, which includes a first network port coupled to one end of a packet communication link and add-on logic, which is configured to receive and transmit packets containing data over the packet communication link and to perform computational operations on the data. A network interface controller (NIC) includes a host bus interface, configured for connection to the host bus of the host computer and a second network port, coupled to the other end of the packet communication link. Packet processing logic in the NIC is coupled between the host bus interface and the second network port, and is configured to translate between the packets transmitted and received over the packet communication link and transactions executed on the host bus so as to provide access between the add-on device and the resources of the host computer.

主权项

1. Peripheral apparatus for use with a host computer that includes a host bus and host resources, including a host processor, connected to the host bus, the apparatus comprising:
a packet communication link having first and second ends; an add-on device, which comprises:
a first network port coupled to the first end of the packet communication link; andadd-on logic, which is configured to receive and transmit packets containing data over the packet communication link and to perform computational operations on the data; and a network interface controller (NIC), which comprises:
a host bus interface, configured for connection to the host bus;a second network port, coupled to the second end of the packet communication link; andpacket processing logic, which is coupled between the host bus interface and the second network port, and is configured to translate between the packets transmitted and received over the packet communication link and transactions executed on the host bus so as to provide access between the add-on device and the host resources.