Preparing a Virtual Machine Host

Summary

In this chapter, we reviewed no-nonsense techniques for budgeting, building, and installing Windows or Linux VM host solutions. We pointed out some network and system bottlenecks along the way, and we showed how to avoid them in bridged or NATed networks by installing and configuring multiple network and storage adapters in a teamed configuration. In addition, you know that when you use teamed network adapters, you must configure the connecting switch for Etherchannel and the appropriate teaming protocol. If you don’t properly configure your teamed NICs, you may wind up with flapping links or loops that adversely impact the network, negating all performance gains.

Additionally, we discussed the importance and impact of network and storage considerations for host and guest VMs, including locally attached storage and SANs.

Now that you’re aware of the techniques for selecting and preparing hardware for host systems, you’re ready to move onto the next few chapters where we’ll focus on hosting and installing VMs. We’ll cover the techniques to help students, technology administrators, and sales professionals get the most out of virtualization by installing guest operating systems on both server and workstation VM applications.