Re: [RFC net-next v2 1/2] devlink: add whole device devlink instance

[Jacob Keller <jacob.e.keller@intel.com>]

On 2/24/2025 8:14 AM, Jiri Pirko wrote:
> 
> The shared parent entity for PFs (and other Fs) is always reference
> counted, first creates, last removes. I feel like this is something
> missing in PCI spec. If such beast would exist, very easy to implement
> this in devlink. We have all we need in place already.
> 
> 

This is basically what I was thinking too. It does feel like it fits in
the PCI layer better than in the devlink layer.. but Przemek also
mentioned the following from reading the other lists:

> 
> I get that the general sentiment is to "leave the complexities to the
> driver/other layers", but it was based on reading only limited amount
> of internal (non networking) mailing lists.


Which makes me think going the PCI route might be tricky. I am not sure
if there is another way to get that model without though...


There was also something I saw recently merge, faux_bus? Not sure if
that would be just as ugly as your other 3 options though...