End node partitioning using virtualization

A computer program product in a computer readable storage medium for use in a data processing system, for partitioning a computer network end node, the computer program product comprising:

• instructions for virtualizing a plurality of network devices on a single multi-function chip to form virtual network devices;
• instructions for virtualizing at least one router on the single multi-function chip to form a virtual router,
• wherein the virtual router performs control-flow processing for the virtual network devices,
• wherein the virtual router functions of destination lookup and packet forwarding are incurred only on control-flow processing, and
• wherein the virtual network devices and the virtual router form a virtual subnet;
• and
• instructions for registering the virtual subnet with a physical subnet,
• wherein the physical subnet perceives the single multi-function chip as only a single router with multiple Host Channel Adapters residing behind the single router.

A system for partitioning a computer network end node, the system comprising:

• a first virtualizing component which virtualizes a plurality of network devices on a single multi-function chip to form virtual network devices;
• a second virtualizing component which virtualizes at least one router on the single multi-function chip to form a virtual router,
• wherein the virtual router performs control-flow processing for the virtual network devices, and
• wherein the virtual router functions of destination lookup and packet forwarding are incurred only on control-flow processing,
• wherein the virtual network devices and the virtual router form a virtual subnet;
• and
• a registering component which registers the virtual subnet with a physical subnet,
• wherein the physical subnet perceives the single multi-function chip as only a single router with multiple Host Channel Adapters residing behind the single router.