PCIe Virtualization via Intercepting Device Encapsulation

The patent introduces an intercepting device as an intermediary component between the server and the PCIe switch. This intercepting device captures configuration transactions from the server, converts them into data transactions, and forwards them through the switch. The intercepting device acts as a mediator that enables upstream transaction routing without modifying the conventional switch architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between routing capability and transaction issuance.

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of transaction type by converting configuration transactions into data transactions. This parameter transformation allows the transactions to be routed through the switch in the upstream direction, which would otherwise be prohibited. The conversion of transaction type is the key mechanism that enables the desired routing capability while maintaining compatibility with conventional PCIe switch operation.

The intercepting device serves as a virtualization intermediary that enables multiple computers to share I/O endpoint devices. By converting configuration transactions into data transactions, the intercepting device facilitates virtual I/O device sharing without requiring complex modifications to the underlying PCIe switch architecture. This approach achieves device sharing capability while minimizing the increase in system complexity.

The patent creates a virtual copy of the I/O endpoint device through transaction conversion. By transforming configuration transactions into data transactions, the system creates a virtual representation of the physical device that can be accessed by multiple computers simultaneously. This copying mechanism enables device sharing while maintaining a relatively simple infrastructure, as it operates at the transaction level rather than requiring physical duplication or complex virtualization hardware.