This commit generalizes the bit array in 'base/util/bit_array.h',
so that it can be used in a statically, when the array size is known
at compile time, or dynamically. It uses the dynamic approach of the
bit array for a more generalized version of the packet allocator,
formerly only used by NIC session clients. The more generic packet
allocator is used by the block cache to circumvent the allocation
deadlock described in issue #1059.
Fixes#1059
This patch reflects eventual allocation errors in a more specific way to
the caller of 'alloc_aligned', in particular out-of-metadata and
out-of-memory are considered as different conditions.
Related to issue #526.
By adding a "mac=XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX" attribute/value pair to the nic_bridge's
configuration one can define the first MAC address from which the nic_brigde
will allocate MACs for it's clients. Note: that the least relevant byte will
be ignored, and ranges from 0-255. Fixes#424.
