A system and method for separating control of a network interface device. A portion of a network interface device (NID) is partitioned for utilization by a user. Permissions are established for management of the partitioned portion of the NID. The permissions including permissions that deny a service provider access to the partitioned portion. Access is granted for the service provider to manage the partitioned portion of the NID. Activities performed by the service provider in the partitioned portion of the NID are logged in response to granting access to the service provider and the permissions denying the service provider access.