Software-based virtual PCI system
US8838867B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/105
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A means for extending a PCI System of a host computer via software-centric virtualization. A Root Complex is virtualized at the host computer, and physically separated with a portion located remotely at an Endpoint, such as at a Remote Bus Adapter. One aspect of the invention avoids the need for a Host Bus Adapter. The invention utilizes 1 Gbps-10 Gbps or greater connectivity via the host's existing standard LAN adapter along with unique software to form the virtualization solution. The invention works within a host's PCI Express topology, extending the topology by adding an entire virtual I/O hierarchy via virtualization. The invention enables I/O virtualization in those implementations where a specialized host bus may not be desirable or feasible. Some examples of this may be a laptop computer, an embedded design, a cost-sensitive design, or a blade host where expansion slots are not available or accessible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.