Private bug reported:
Hardware partitioning (also known as system partitioning or node
partitioning) enables a single physical server platform to be divided
into multiple independent logical systems. In a 2x1P configuration, a
dual-socket (2P) system is partitioned into two isolated single-socket
(1P) systems, each operating independently with dedicated CPU, memory,
and I/O resources.
This capability is particularly useful in data centers and enterprise
environments where workload isolation, resource optimization, and fault
containment are critical. Each partition behaves like a standalone
server, with its own OS instance, firmware context, and management
domain.
Partitioning is typically implemented through firmware (BIOS/UEFI),
hardware interconnect controls (e.g., disabling inter-socket links), and
platform resource mapping. It may also involve isolating memory regions,
PCIe/CXL devices, and interrupts per partition.
In the Linux kernel, support for such partitioned configurations
requires proper enumeration of resources, NUMA awareness, and isolation
mechanisms. While basic support exists, enhanced handling of partition
boundaries, resource ownership, and management integration is needed for
robust deployment.
Feature Request:
Requested details to be enabled on OS:
Enable OS awareness of hardware-partitioned (2x1P) configurations.
Ensure correct enumeration of CPU, memory, and I/O resources per partition.
Support strict isolation of resources (no cross-partition visibility or
access).
Integrate partitioning with NUMA topology and scheduling policies.
Ensure proper handling of interrupts and affinity within each partition.
Support independent boot and shutdown of each partition.
Enable partition-specific firmware/ACPI table exposure.
Provide sysfs/debugfs visibility into partition configuration.
Support integration with platform management (BMC/Redfish) for partition
control.
Ensure compatibility with virtualization stacks (KVM/QEMU) within each
partition.
Provide tools for validation, monitoring, and debugging of partitioned
systems.
Document configuration steps, limitations, and best practices for 2x1P
deployments.
Business Justification:
Enables efficient utilization of hardware by splitting a single system into
multiple nodes.
Provides strong workload isolation for multi-tenant environments.
Improves fault containment by limiting failures to a single partition.
Supports flexible deployment models in data centers and edge environments.
Reduces infrastructure cost by consolidating hardware resources.
Aligns with modern composable and disaggregated infrastructure strategies.
References:
Platform Firmware (BIOS/UEFI) Partitioning Documentation
ACPI Specification (SRAT, SLIT, and resource partitioning)
Linux Kernel NUMA and CPU Topology Documentation
Server Vendor Guides on Hardware Partitioning and Multi-Node Systems
** Affects: linux (Ubuntu)
Importance: Undecided
Status: New
** Summary changed:
- Request for Hardware Partitioning Support – 2x1P Configuration
+ Request for Hardware Partitioning Support – 2x1P Configuration in Ubuntu
Server 26.04
** Information type changed from Public to Private
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https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/2146679
Title:
Request for Hardware Partitioning Support – 2x1P Configuration in
Ubuntu Server 26.04
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