Pushing frames with identical source & destination MAC through i210

[druske]

We have an embedded application that places an i210 between a Bay Trail processor running Windows IoT Core and an ASIC that implements device level ring (DLR) and maintains an Ethernet/IP object model. The interface between the i210 and the ASIC is SGMII, and the ASIC does not have a MAC address distinct from the i210.

I've been tasked with accessing the objects on the ASIC from the Bay Trail, and the ASIC developers tell me that if I send frames to it with the destination MAC and the source MAC identical --- both the same as the i210's MAC address --- they'll be intercepted and responded to by the ASIC rather than going out on the wire.

My question is whether these unusual frames can be passed through the i210 in both directions, and if so, whether there are any programming considerations for the i210 that would allow it.

So far I have not found answers in the i210 data sheet, but it's admittedly an esoteric kind of question.

Thanks,
Dave

[CarlosAM_INTEL]

Hello, @druske:

Thank you for contacting Intel Embedded Community.

You can find the information that may help you in the answer to question 2.30, on page 11 of the Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I210/I211 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document # 335346, and in section 3.7.4.3, on pages 97 and 98 of the Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I210 Datasheet document #333016. You can be found these documents when you are logged into your Resource & Design Center (RDC) privileged account on the following websites:

http://www.intel.com/cd/edesign/library/asmo-na/eng/335346.htm

http://www.intel.com/cd/edesign/library/asmo-na/eng/333016.htm 

The RDC Account Support form is the channel to process your account update request or report any inconveniences with the provided sites. It can be found at:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/forms/support/my-intel-sign-on-support.html

Best Regards,

@CarlosAM_INTEL.

[druske]

Thank you, @CarlosAM_INTEL , for your prompt service. I will respond to this thread once I receive RDC privileged access and review the documents you suggested. 

Dave