SmartIO SISCI API Extension

The SISCI SmartIO functions provides an API for low level access to PCIe devices in the cluster. It can be used to write user space drivers that operate on devices located anywhere in the cluster. Unlike, device lending, multiple users can ‘borrow’ the same device at the same time. This allows distributed device drivers to be created. The SmartIO API is compatible with the rest of the SISCI API so that the ‘normal’ SISCI functions can be used when writing device drivers, for instance this allows the driver instances to communicate with each other. The DMA engine on the NTB adapter can also be used to move data to and from a SmartIO device. See Writing drivers with SmartIO SISCI API.

Both device lending and the SISCI SmartIO API can be used at the same time and share common configuration and setup. To gain access to devices with the SISCI API, first follow Lending out devices to other hosts or Hot-Add - directly attached devices.