RHEL 6 Virtualization - 11.4. Using KVM para-virtualized drivers for new devices

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11.4. Using KVM para-virtualized drivers for new devices

This procedure covers creating new devices using the KVM para-virtualized drivers with virt-manager.

Alternatively, the virsh attach-disk or virsh attach-interface commands can be used to attach devices using the para-virtualized drivers.

Install the drivers first

Ensure the drivers have been installed on the Windows guest before proceeding to install new devices. If the drivers are unavailable the device will not be recognized and will not work.

Procedure 11.3. Starting the new device wizard

Open the virtualized guest by double clicking on the name of the guest in virt-manager.
Open the Information tab by pressing the i information button.

Figure 11.1. The information tab button
In the information tab, press the Add Hardware button.
In the Adding Virtual Hardware tab select Storage or Network for the type of device. The storage and network device wizards are covered in procedures Procedure 11.4, “Adding a storage device using the para-virtualized storage driver” and Procedure 11.5, “Adding a network device using the para-virtualized network driver”

Procedure 11.4. Adding a storage device using the para-virtualized storage driver

Select hardware type

Select Storage as the Hardware type.

Press Forward to continue.
Select the storage device and driver

Create a new disk image or select a storage pool volume.

Set the Device type to Virtio Disk to use the para-virtualized drivers.

Press Forward to continue.
Finish the procedure

Confirm the details for the new device are correct.

Press Finish to complete the procedure.

Procedure 11.5. Adding a network device using the para-virtualized network driver

Select hardware type

Select Network as the Hardware type.

Press Forward to continue.
Select the network device and driver

Select the network device from the Host device list.

Create a custom MAC address or use the one provided.

Set the Device model to virtio to use the para-virtualized drivers.

Press Forward to continue.
Finish the procedure

Confirm the details for the new device are correct.

Press Finish to complete the procedure.

Once all new devices are added, reboot the guest. Windows guests may may not recognise the devices until the guest is rebooted.

11.4. Using KVM para-virtualized drivers for new devices

Install the drivers first

Procedure 11.3. Starting the new device wizard

Figure 11.1. The information tab button

Procedure 11.4. Adding a storage device using the para-virtualized storage driver

Procedure 11.5. Adding a network device using the para-virtualized network driver