How to Enable Header Data Split on Intel NIC in Linux?

[Nothing3]

Hello,

I’m currently running a Linux system with a 100Gbps direct connection using an Intel NIC (using the ice driver). While reviewing the documentation—specifically section 5.1.6.3.6 on Header Payload Split Support—I learned that enabling this feature involves the following hardware register configurations:

• Setting the SPH bit in the DMA_CH(#i)_Control register.

• Appropriately configuring the HDSMS field in the MAC_Rx_Configuration register.

• Configuring the ARBS and RBSZ fields in the DMA_CH(#i)_Rx_Control2 register.

However, I haven’t been able to find any method (such as via ethtool, module parameters, or sysfs) that allows a Linux user to directly activate or modify these settings.

I simply tried modifying the cfg option settings that I found elsewhere. I changed DTYPE to 01b and SPLIT_0 to 0100b. This involved modifying a part of the ice_setup_rx_ctx function in ice_base.c so that the configuration for each descriptor is newly set and applied during the ice driver’s initialization, then compiling it and building a new kernel. However, the HDS feature does not seem to work.

My questions are as follows:

1. In a Linux environment using the Intel NIC with the ice driver, is the header data split feature automatically enabled if the hardware supports it?

2. If manual configuration is required, what options are available for a user? Do I need to modify the driver source code or use specific module parameters to program these registers?

3. Are there any recommended guidelines or reference materials for configuring header data split in this scenario?

I appreciate any insights or guidance on this matter. Thank you in advance for your help!

[Poojitha]

Hi Nothing3,

Thank you for reaching out to the Intel support. We acknowledge receipt of your concern and want to assure you that assisting you is our top priority. To effectively troubleshoot the issue you're facing, we require some additional information from your end.

Could you kindly provide the following details?

1.Complete product details:

2.Kindly provide the system details:

Your prompt response with this information will greatly assist us in diagnosing and resolving the issue as quickly as possible.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Regards,

Poojitha

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Poojitha]

Hi Nothing3,

Greetings for the day!

We are following up to check if you were able to find the information we requested. Kindly confirm at your earliest convenience, so that we can continue assisting you in resolving this matter.

We appreciate your understanding!

Regards,

Poojitha

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Poojitha]

Hi Nothing3,

Greetings for the day! 

We are following up to check if you were able to find the information we requested. Kindly confirm at your earliest convenience, so that we can continue assisting you in resolving this matter.

We appreciate your understanding!

Regards,

Poojitha

Intel Customer Support Technician