Description: KVM migration is the process of moving a running KVM guest from one host to another. This technique is fundamental in virtualization environments as it allows for service continuity and resource optimization. Migration can be live, meaning the guest operating system continues to run during the process, or offline, where the guest is stopped before being moved. KVM migration is based on Linux virtualization technology, using QEMU as an emulator and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) as the kernel module that enables the execution of virtual machines. This migration capability is crucial for workload management, allowing system administrators to balance load across different servers, perform maintenance without downtime, and improve application availability. Additionally, KVM migration is compatible with various network and storage configurations, making it a versatile tool in managing virtualized infrastructures. In summary, KVM migration is an essential feature that enhances flexibility and efficiency in managing virtualized environments.
History: KVM migration began to develop with the introduction of KVM in 2006 when it was integrated into the Linux kernel. Since then, it has evolved with improvements in efficiency and the ability to perform live migrations, allowing system administrators to better manage their resources. Over the years, various optimizations and additional features have been implemented, such as storage migration and compatibility with different network configurations.
Uses: KVM migration is primarily used in data center environments to balance workloads across servers, perform maintenance without interrupting service, and enhance the availability of critical applications. It is also applied in disaster recovery, where virtual machines can be moved to other servers in case of failures.
Examples: A practical example of KVM migration is when a system administrator needs to perform maintenance on a physical server. Using live migration, they can move virtual machines to another server without users experiencing interruptions. Another case is migrating a virtual machine to a more powerful server to enhance the performance of applications.
