Virtualization with KVM is a transformative technology that allows organizations to maximize resource utilization and scalability by running multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server. As one of the most popular open-source virtualization solutions, KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) provides robust performance, flexibility, and integration with Linux environments.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to set up and configure KVM on Ubuntu Server 22.04, providing you with a step-by-step approach to harness the power of virtualization for your infrastructure needs. Whether you’re building a test environment or deploying production workloads, KVM offers the tools to streamline your operations efficiently.
Previous articles:
01. Introduction to Ubuntu Server – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
02. How to Setup Your First Ubuntu Server: A Beginner’s Guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
03.Mastering the Linux Command Line for Ubuntu Server – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
04. Managing Users and Permissions on Ubuntu Server: A Comprehensive Guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
05. Networking Basics for Ubuntu Server: A Comprehensive Guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
06. Installing and Managing Software on Ubuntu Server: A Complete Guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
07.Patching and Updating Ubuntu Server: A Comprehensive Guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
08. Securing Your Ubuntu Server: Practical Steps for Hardening and Protection – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
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10. System Monitoring Tools for Ubuntu Server: A Comprehensive Guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
11. Centralized Logging for ubuntu server: a must read guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
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14. Host Multiple Websites on a single Ubuntu Server: Useful tips – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
15. Managing Storage and Disks on Ubuntu Server: Simple Guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
16. Setting Up File Sharing Services on Ubuntu Server: a complete guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
17. Setting Up a Secure Database Server on Ubuntu: MySQL vs. MariaDB – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
18. How to Configure and Use LVM on Ubuntu Server: A Comprehensive Guide – SysOSX: AI & Cloud
Table of Contents
- What is KVM?
- Prerequisites for Setting Up KVM on Ubuntu Server 22.04
- Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up KVM on Ubuntu Server 22.04
- Creating Your First Virtual Machine with KVM
- Managing Virtual Machines with KVM
- Networking Setup for Virtual Machines
- Benefits of Using KVM for Virtualization
- Conclusion
What is KVM?
KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a Linux-based virtualization technology that transforms your Linux server into a hypervisor, allowing you to create and manage virtual machines. It’s built directly into the Linux kernel, providing excellent performance and integration with Linux tools.
Key Features of KVM:
- Open Source: Free and widely supported.
- High Performance: Leverages hardware virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) for near-native performance.
- Flexibility: Supports various guest operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Scalability: Ideal for both small-scale and enterprise-level deployments.
Prerequisites for Setting Up KVM on Ubuntu Server 22.04
Before starting, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- 64-bit Processor: Your CPU must support virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
- Minimum RAM: At least 4 GB of RAM is recommended for hosting multiple VMs.
Software Requirements:
- Ubuntu Server 22.04: Ensure you have a fresh installation.
- Sudo or Root Access: Required for installing and configuring KVM.
Verify Virtualization Support:
Run the following command to check if your CPU supports virtualization:
egrep -c '(vmx|svm)' /proc/cpuinfo
If the output is greater than 0, your CPU supports virtualization.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up KVM on Ubuntu Server 22.04
Step 1: Update the System
Before installing KVM, update your system packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Install KVM and Required Tools
Install KVM along with essential tools like libvirt and virt-manager:
sudo apt install -y qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clients bridge-utils virt-manager
Step 3: Verify KVM Installation
After installation, verify that the libvirtd service is active:
sudo systemctl status libvirtd
You should see the service running. Additionally, confirm KVM support with:
kvm-ok
If the output includes “KVM acceleration can be used,” your setup is ready.
Step 4: Add Your User to the KVM Group
To avoid running commands as root, add your user to the kvm and libvirt groups:
sudo usermod -aG kvm $USER
sudo usermod -aG libvirt $USER
Log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.
Creating Your First Virtual Machine with KVM
Option 1: Using virt-manager (GUI)
If your Ubuntu Server has GUI access, use virt-manager to create and manage VMs easily:
- Launch
virt-manager:virt-manager - Click File > New Virtual Machine.
- Follow the wizard to configure your VM:
- Select an ISO image for the operating system.
- Allocate CPU and RAM resources.
- Set up storage for the VM.
Option 2: Using virt-install (Command Line)
For servers without a GUI, use the virt-install command. Here’s an example to create a VM running Ubuntu:
sudo virt-install \
--name ubuntu-vm \
--ram 2048 \
--vcpus 2 \
--disk path=/var/lib/libvirt/images/ubuntu-vm.img,size=20 \
--os-type linux \
--os-variant ubuntu22.04 \
--network bridge=virbr0 \
--graphics none \
--cdrom /path/to/ubuntu.iso
Replace /path/to/ubuntu.iso with the actual path to your Ubuntu 22.04 ISO file.
Managing Virtual Machines with KVM
Once your VM is created, you can manage it using virsh, a powerful command-line interface for libvirt.
Start a VM:
virsh start ubuntu-vm
List All VMs:
virsh list --all
Stop a VM:
virsh shutdown ubuntu-vm
Delete a VM:
virsh undefine ubuntu-vm --remove-all-storage
For advanced management, consult the libvirt documentation.
Networking Setup for Virtual Machines
KVM uses virtual bridges to connect VMs to the network. By default, the virbr0 bridge is created during installation, providing NAT-based networking. For direct access to your local network, you can configure a bridged network:
Configure a Bridged Network:
- Install the
net-toolspackage:
sudo apt install net-tools
- Edit the network configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces
- Add the following configuration for the bridge (replace
eth0with your network interface):
auto br0
iface br0 inet dhcp
bridge_ports eth0
bridge_stp off
bridge_fd 0
bridge_maxwait 0
- Restart the networking service:
sudo systemctl restart networking
Benefits of Using KVM for Virtualization
- Cost-Effective: KVM is free and open-source, eliminating licensing fees.
- High Performance: Offers near-native performance with hardware acceleration.
- Flexibility: Supports a wide range of guest operating systems.
- Scalability: Easily scale resources to accommodate multiple VMs.
- Integration: Works seamlessly with Linux tools like libvirt, QEMU, and virt-manager.
Conclusion
KVM is a robust and efficient virtualization solution for Linux environments, making it ideal for developers, system administrators, and businesses alike. By following this guide, you can set up and manage virtual machines on Ubuntu Server 22.04 with ease. Whether you’re creating test environments, hosting applications, or building a private cloud, KVM delivers the flexibility and performance you need.
For further details, check out the official KVM documentation.
Up Next, Learn how to install Docker on Ubuntu Server and run your first containerized app! 🐳🐧