SR-IOV Virtual Function Lifetimes

Explore the intricacies of SR-IOV Virtual Function (VF) management in this technical conference talk from the Linux Plumbers Conference. Delve into the current limitations of VF removal, which must be executed through virtfn_remove() under Physical Function (PF) driver control, rather than the standard pci_stop_and_remove_bus_device(). Examine the resulting special cases, such as the omission of the sysfs "remove" file for VFs. Consider potential solutions to simplify VF handling after creation, which may always remain a specialized process under PF driver control. Investigate the challenges surrounding VF management when the driver releases the PF, gaining insights into potential improvements for SR-IOV implementation in Linux systems.