Abstract: In one embodiment, a networked system includes network interface ports to couple to a computer data network, PCIe devices, bridge devices coupled to network interface ports, a PCIe network switch coupled between bridge devices and PCIe devices, and a configuration device communicatively coupled to bridge devices and PCIe devices. Ports transmit outgoing and receive incoming network traffic. PCIe devices support a function of the computer data network. Each bridge device receives incoming network traffic portions and transmits outgoing network traffic portions through a respective network interface port. PCIe network switch routes PCIe packets between the plurality of bridge devices and the plurality of PCIe devices. Configuration device configures and initializes the PCIe devices for commands and operations that originate from the bridge devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a networked system includes network interface ports to couple to a computer data network, PCIe devices, bridge devices coupled to network interface ports, a PCIe network switch coupled between bridge devices and PCIe devices, and a configuration device communicatively coupled to bridge devices and PCIe devices. Ports transmit outgoing and receive incoming network traffic. PCIe devices support a function of the computer data network. Each bridge device receives incoming network traffic portions and transmits outgoing network traffic portions through a respective network interface port. PCIe network switch routes PCIe packets between the plurality of bridge devices and the plurality of PCIe devices. Configuration device configures and initializes the PCIe devices for commands and operations that originate from the bridge devices.

Abstract: An apparatus is envisioned that manages I/O access for host subsystems that share I/O peripherals. Host subsystem ports receive I/O requests from and communicate with the plurality of platforms. A translation circuit, coupled to the host subsystem ports, identifies an I/O request from the host subsystem port as being associated with a particular host subsystem. A plurality of output ports are provided and are coupled to the peripheral I/O devices. A switching element is coupled to the translation circuit and to the output ports, and routes I/O requests to a particular output port. An operations circuit, coupled to the switching element, performs translation and redirection functions on the I/O requests. A management circuit interfaces with the host subsystems. The management circuit manages the use of the output ports and brokers the physical usage of the ports. The apparatus is contained on physical devices distinct from the plurality of platforms.