diff --git a/lib/librte_eal/common/include/rte_pci.h b/lib/librte_eal/common/include/rte_pci.h
index 66ed793..dd1da28 100644
--- a/lib/librte_eal/common/include/rte_pci.h
+++ b/lib/librte_eal/common/include/rte_pci.h
@@ -199,6 +199,8 @@ struct rte_pci_driver {
 #define RTE_PCI_DRV_FORCE_UNBIND 0x0004
 /** Device driver supports link state interrupt */
 #define RTE_PCI_DRV_INTR_LSC	0x0008
+/** Device driver supports detaching capability */
+#define RTE_PCI_DRV_DETACHABLE	0x0010
 
 /**< Internal use only - Macro used by pci addr parsing functions **/
 #define GET_PCIADDR_FIELD(in, fd, lim, dlm)                   \
diff --git a/lib/librte_ether/rte_ethdev.c b/lib/librte_ether/rte_ethdev.c
index 077d430..46cabaf 100644
--- a/lib/librte_ether/rte_ethdev.c
+++ b/lib/librte_ether/rte_ethdev.c
@@ -175,6 +175,16 @@ enum {
 	STAT_QMAP_RX
 };
 
+enum {
+	DEV_INVALID = 0,
+	DEV_VALID,
+};
+
+enum {
+	DEV_DISCONNECTED = 0,
+	DEV_CONNECTED
+};
+
 static inline void
 rte_eth_dev_data_alloc(void)
 {
@@ -201,19 +211,34 @@ rte_eth_dev_allocated(const char *name)
 {
 	unsigned i;
 
-	for (i = 0; i < nb_ports; i++) {
-		if (strcmp(rte_eth_devices[i].data->name, name) == 0)
+	for (i = 0; i < RTE_MAX_ETHPORTS; i++) {
+		if ((rte_eth_devices[i].attached == DEV_CONNECTED) &&
+		    strcmp(rte_eth_devices[i].data->name, name) == 0)
 			return &rte_eth_devices[i];
 	}
 	return NULL;
 }
 
+static uint8_t
+rte_eth_dev_allocate_new_port(void)
+{
+	unsigned i;
+
+	for (i = 0; i < RTE_MAX_ETHPORTS; i++) {
+		if (rte_eth_devices[i].attached == DEV_DISCONNECTED)
+			return i;
+	}
+	return RTE_MAX_ETHPORTS;
+}
+
 struct rte_eth_dev *
 rte_eth_dev_allocate(const char *name)
 {
+	uint8_t port_id;
 	struct rte_eth_dev *eth_dev;
 
-	if (nb_ports == RTE_MAX_ETHPORTS) {
+	port_id = rte_eth_dev_allocate_new_port();
+	if (port_id == RTE_MAX_ETHPORTS) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Reached maximum number of Ethernet ports\n");
 		return NULL;
 	}
@@ -226,10 +251,12 @@ rte_eth_dev_allocate(const char *name)
 		return NULL;
 	}
 
-	eth_dev = &rte_eth_devices[nb_ports];
-	eth_dev->data = &rte_eth_dev_data[nb_ports];
+	eth_dev = &rte_eth_devices[port_id];
+	eth_dev->data = &rte_eth_dev_data[port_id];
 	snprintf(eth_dev->data->name, sizeof(eth_dev->data->name), "%s", name);
-	eth_dev->data->port_id = nb_ports++;
+	eth_dev->data->port_id = port_id;
+	eth_dev->attached = DEV_CONNECTED;
+	nb_ports++;
 	return eth_dev;
 }
 
@@ -283,6 +310,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_init(struct rte_pci_driver *pci_drv,
 			(unsigned) pci_dev->id.device_id);
 	if (rte_eal_process_type() == RTE_PROC_PRIMARY)
 		rte_free(eth_dev->data->dev_private);
+	eth_dev->attached = DEV_DISCONNECTED;
 	nb_ports--;
 	return diag;
 }
@@ -308,10 +336,22 @@ rte_eth_driver_register(struct eth_driver *eth_drv)
 	rte_eal_pci_register(&eth_drv->pci_drv);
 }
 
+static int
+rte_eth_dev_validate_port(uint8_t port_id)
+{
+	if (port_id >= RTE_MAX_ETHPORTS)
+		return DEV_INVALID;
+
+	if (rte_eth_devices[port_id].attached == DEV_CONNECTED)
+		return DEV_VALID;
+	else
+		return DEV_INVALID;
+}
+
 int
 rte_eth_dev_socket_id(uint8_t port_id)
 {
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports)
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID)
 		return -1;
 	return rte_eth_devices[port_id].pci_dev->numa_node;
 }
@@ -369,7 +409,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_rx_queue_start(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t rx_queue_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -EINVAL;
 	}
@@ -395,7 +435,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_rx_queue_stop(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t rx_queue_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -EINVAL;
 	}
@@ -421,7 +461,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_tx_queue_start(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t tx_queue_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -EINVAL;
 	}
@@ -447,7 +487,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_tx_queue_stop(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t tx_queue_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -EINVAL;
 	}
@@ -703,7 +743,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_configure(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t nb_rx_q, uint16_t nb_tx_q,
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports || port_id >= RTE_MAX_ETHPORTS) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-EINVAL);
 	}
@@ -888,7 +928,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_start(uint8_t port_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%" PRIu8 "\n", port_id);
 		return (-EINVAL);
 	}
@@ -923,7 +963,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_stop(uint8_t port_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_RET();
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%" PRIu8 "\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -951,7 +991,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_link_up(uint8_t port_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -EINVAL;
 	}
@@ -970,7 +1010,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_link_down(uint8_t port_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -EINVAL;
 	}
@@ -989,7 +1029,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_close(uint8_t port_id)
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_RET();
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1017,7 +1057,7 @@ rte_eth_rx_queue_setup(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t rx_queue_id,
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-EINVAL);
 	}
@@ -1090,7 +1130,7 @@ rte_eth_tx_queue_setup(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t tx_queue_id,
 	 * in a multi-process setup*/
 	PROC_PRIMARY_OR_ERR_RET(-E_RTE_SECONDARY);
 
-	if (port_id >= RTE_MAX_ETHPORTS || port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-EINVAL);
 	}
@@ -1123,7 +1163,7 @@ rte_eth_promiscuous_enable(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1139,7 +1179,7 @@ rte_eth_promiscuous_disable(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1155,7 +1195,7 @@ rte_eth_promiscuous_get(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -1;
 	}
@@ -1169,7 +1209,7 @@ rte_eth_allmulticast_enable(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1185,7 +1225,7 @@ rte_eth_allmulticast_disable(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1201,7 +1241,7 @@ rte_eth_allmulticast_get(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -1;
 	}
@@ -1229,7 +1269,7 @@ rte_eth_link_get(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_link *eth_link)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1249,7 +1289,7 @@ rte_eth_link_get_nowait(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_link *eth_link)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1269,7 +1309,7 @@ rte_eth_stats_get(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_stats *stats)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1286,7 +1326,7 @@ rte_eth_stats_reset(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1307,7 +1347,7 @@ rte_eth_xstats_get(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_xstats *xstats,
 	uint64_t val;
 	char *stats_ptr;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -1;
 	}
@@ -1376,7 +1416,7 @@ rte_eth_xstats_reset(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1398,7 +1438,7 @@ set_queue_stats_mapping(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t queue_id, uint8_t stat_idx,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -1433,7 +1473,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_info_get(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_dev_info *dev_info)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1453,7 +1493,7 @@ rte_eth_macaddr_get(uint8_t port_id, struct ether_addr *mac_addr)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return;
 	}
@@ -1467,7 +1507,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_get_mtu(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t *mtu)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1483,7 +1523,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_mtu(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t mtu)
 	int ret;
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1503,7 +1543,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_vlan_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t vlan_id, int on)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1528,7 +1568,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_vlan_strip_on_queue(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t rx_queue_id, int o
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1550,7 +1590,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_vlan_ether_type(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t tpid)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1570,7 +1610,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_vlan_offload(uint8_t port_id, int offload_mask)
 	int mask = 0;
 	int cur, org = 0;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1615,7 +1655,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_get_vlan_offload(uint8_t port_id)
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 	int ret = 0;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1639,7 +1679,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_vlan_pvid(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t pvid, int on)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1657,7 +1697,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_fdir_add_signature_filter(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1691,7 +1731,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_fdir_update_signature_filter(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1725,7 +1765,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_fdir_remove_signature_filter(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1756,7 +1796,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_fdir_get_infos(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_fdir *fdir)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1781,7 +1821,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_fdir_add_perfect_filter(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1821,7 +1861,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_fdir_update_perfect_filter(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1859,7 +1899,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_fdir_remove_perfect_filter(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1895,7 +1935,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_fdir_set_masks(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_fdir_masks *fdir_mask)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1915,7 +1955,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_flow_ctrl_get(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_fc_conf *fc_conf)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1931,7 +1971,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_flow_ctrl_set(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_fc_conf *fc_conf)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -1951,7 +1991,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_priority_flow_ctrl_set(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_pfc_conf *pfc
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2030,7 +2070,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_rss_reta_update(uint8_t port_id,
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 	int ret;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -2081,7 +2121,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_rss_hash_update(uint8_t port_id, struct rte_eth_rss_conf *rss_conf)
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 	uint16_t rss_hash_protos;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2103,7 +2143,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_rss_hash_conf_get(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2118,7 +2158,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_udp_tunnel_add(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -2144,7 +2184,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_udp_tunnel_delete(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -2169,7 +2209,7 @@ rte_eth_led_on(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2184,7 +2224,7 @@ rte_eth_led_off(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2224,7 +2264,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_mac_addr_add(uint8_t port_id, struct ether_addr *addr,
 	int index;
 	uint64_t pool_mask;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2275,7 +2315,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_mac_addr_remove(uint8_t port_id, struct ether_addr *addr)
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 	int index;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2309,7 +2349,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_vf_rxmode(uint8_t port_id,  uint16_t vf,
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 	struct rte_eth_dev_info dev_info;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("set VF RX mode:Invalid port_id=%d\n",
 				port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
@@ -2364,7 +2404,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_uc_hash_table_set(uint8_t port_id, struct ether_addr *addr,
 	int ret;
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("unicast hash setting:Invalid port_id=%d\n",
 			port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
@@ -2417,7 +2457,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_uc_all_hash_table_set(uint8_t port_id, uint8_t on)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("unicast hash setting:Invalid port_id=%d\n",
 			port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
@@ -2436,7 +2476,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_vf_rx(uint8_t port_id,uint16_t vf, uint8_t on)
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 	struct rte_eth_dev_info dev_info;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2462,7 +2502,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_vf_tx(uint8_t port_id,uint16_t vf, uint8_t on)
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 	struct rte_eth_dev_info dev_info;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("set pool tx:Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2487,7 +2527,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_set_vf_vlan_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t vlan_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("VF VLAN filter:invalid port id=%d\n",
 				port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
@@ -2518,7 +2558,7 @@ int rte_eth_set_queue_rate_limit(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t queue_idx,
 	struct rte_eth_dev_info dev_info;
 	struct rte_eth_link link;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("set queue rate limit:invalid port id=%d\n",
 				port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
@@ -2555,7 +2595,7 @@ int rte_eth_set_vf_rate_limit(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t vf, uint16_t tx_rate,
 	if (q_msk == 0)
 		return 0;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("set VF rate limit:invalid port id=%d\n",
 				port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
@@ -2589,7 +2629,7 @@ rte_eth_mirror_rule_set(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev = &rte_eth_devices[port_id];
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2630,7 +2670,7 @@ rte_eth_mirror_rule_reset(uint8_t port_id, uint8_t rule_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev = &rte_eth_devices[port_id];
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2655,7 +2695,7 @@ rte_eth_rx_burst(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t queue_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return 0;
 	}
@@ -2675,7 +2715,7 @@ rte_eth_tx_burst(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t queue_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return 0;
 	}
@@ -2695,7 +2735,7 @@ rte_eth_rx_queue_count(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t queue_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return 0;
 	}
@@ -2709,7 +2749,7 @@ rte_eth_rx_descriptor_done(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t queue_id, uint16_t offset)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2730,7 +2770,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_callback_register(uint8_t port_id,
 
 	if (!cb_fn)
 		return (-EINVAL);
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-EINVAL);
 	}
@@ -2770,7 +2810,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_callback_unregister(uint8_t port_id,
 
 	if (!cb_fn)
 		return (-EINVAL);
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-EINVAL);
 	}
@@ -2830,7 +2870,7 @@ int rte_eth_dev_bypass_init(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2850,7 +2890,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_bypass_state_show(uint8_t port_id, uint32_t *state)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2869,7 +2909,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_bypass_state_set(uint8_t port_id, uint32_t *new_state)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2889,7 +2929,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_bypass_event_show(uint8_t port_id, uint32_t event, uint32_t *state)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2909,7 +2949,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_bypass_event_store(uint8_t port_id, uint32_t event, uint32_t state)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2929,7 +2969,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_wd_timeout_store(uint8_t port_id, uint32_t timeout)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2949,7 +2989,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_bypass_ver_show(uint8_t port_id, uint32_t *ver)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2969,7 +3009,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_bypass_wd_timeout_show(uint8_t port_id, uint32_t *wd_timeout)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -2989,7 +3029,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_bypass_wd_reset(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return (-ENODEV);
 	}
@@ -3011,7 +3051,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_add_syn_filter(uint8_t port_id,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3026,7 +3066,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_remove_syn_filter(uint8_t port_id)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3045,7 +3085,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_get_syn_filter(uint8_t port_id,
 	if (filter == NULL || rx_queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3061,7 +3101,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_add_ethertype_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3082,7 +3122,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_remove_ethertype_filter(uint8_t port_id,  uint16_t index)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3101,7 +3141,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_get_ethertype_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index,
 	if (filter == NULL || rx_queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3118,7 +3158,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_add_2tuple_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3140,7 +3180,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_remove_2tuple_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3159,7 +3199,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_get_2tuple_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index,
 	if (filter == NULL || rx_queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3175,7 +3215,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_add_5tuple_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3198,7 +3238,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_remove_5tuple_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3217,7 +3257,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_get_5tuple_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index,
 	if (filter == NULL || rx_queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3234,7 +3274,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_add_flex_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3249,7 +3289,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_remove_flex_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3268,7 +3308,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_get_flex_filter(uint8_t port_id, uint16_t index,
 	if (filter == NULL || rx_queue == NULL)
 		return -EINVAL;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3284,7 +3324,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_filter_supported(uint8_t port_id, enum rte_filter_type filter_type)
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
@@ -3301,7 +3341,7 @@ rte_eth_dev_filter_ctrl(uint8_t port_id, enum rte_filter_type filter_type,
 {
 	struct rte_eth_dev *dev;
 
-	if (port_id >= nb_ports) {
+	if (rte_eth_dev_validate_port(port_id) == DEV_INVALID) {
 		PMD_DEBUG_TRACE("Invalid port_id=%d\n", port_id);
 		return -ENODEV;
 	}
diff --git a/lib/librte_ether/rte_ethdev.h b/lib/librte_ether/rte_ethdev.h
index ce0528f..616a44a 100644
--- a/lib/librte_ether/rte_ethdev.h
+++ b/lib/librte_ether/rte_ethdev.h
@@ -1565,6 +1565,7 @@ struct rte_eth_dev {
 	struct eth_dev_ops *dev_ops;    /**< Functions exported by PMD */
 	struct rte_pci_device *pci_dev; /**< PCI info. supplied by probing */
 	struct rte_eth_dev_cb_list callbacks; /**< User application callbacks */
+	uint8_t attached; /**< Flag indicating the port is attached */
 };
 
 struct rte_eth_dev_sriov {
@@ -1630,6 +1631,10 @@ extern struct rte_eth_dev rte_eth_devices[];
  * initialized by the [matching] Ethernet driver during the PCI probing phase.
  * All devices whose port identifier is in the range
  * [0,  rte_eth_dev_count() - 1] can be operated on by network applications.
+ * immediately after invoking rte_eal_init().
+ * If the application unplugs a port using hotplug function, The enabled port
+ * numbers may be noncontiguous. In the case, the applications need to manage
+ * enabled port by themselves.
  *
  * @return
  *   - The total number of usable Ethernet devices.
