Driver Architecture in a Linux World

Overview

Vendors of modern networking hardware realize that the devices they provide require a great deal of software in order to function effectively. As a result, many hardware vendors provide large amounts of software for use with their devices. This paper begins by discussing strategies for making use of such drivers in a Linux environment, and continues by discussing how hardware vendors might architect Linux-friendly driver software. Finally, the paper discusses how vendors can provide first-class Linux support for their hardware and why it is in their best interest to do so. This paper is a must read both for system integrators new to Linux and for driver software architects unfamiliar with the Linux environment.