Re: [PATCH V2 03/12] net-next: mediatek: add embedded switch driver (ESW)

From: Andrew Lunn
Date: Fri Feb 26 2016 - 12:05:54 EST


> the problem here is that on one side people complain about vendors not
> sending code upstream. once they start being a good citizen and provide
> funding to send stuff upstream the feedback tends to be very bad as seen
> here. we are planning on doing a DSA driver but one step at a time. this
> kind of feedback will inevitably lead to vendors doing second thoughts
> of upstream contributions.

I think it is great a vendor is providing funding to get code
upstream. However, that code needs to conform with current kernel
architecture and design philosophy.

We as a community also need to be consistent. We have recently push
back on Microchip with there LAN9352 who want to do something very
similar, introduce the MAC and a very dumb switch driver. They are now
looking at what it means to do a DSA driver. There is also talk of
writing a DSA driver for the ks8995 family.

As David said recently, a year ago this probably would of been
accepted. But now, switches need to be DSA or switchdev.

Andrew