Problem using Topaz and QEMU/KVM together

[jrodrigo]

Hello,

For the t1040RDB we are using Topaz to create two partitions in the system (1 and 3 cores respectively). The idea is to load a fsl-image-virt image in one of them (the one with 3 cores) in order to be able to virtualize with QEMU/KVM. We have managed to set up everything and have the Linux image running, but when we try to telnet to a VM started with the command:

qemu-system-ppc64 -enable-kvm -m 512 -mem-path /var/lib/hugetlbfs/pagesize-4MB -nographic -M ppce500 -kernel /boot/uImage -initrd /images/fsl-image-minimal-t1040rdb.ext2.gz -append "root=/dev/ram rw console=ttyS0,115200" -serial tcp::4444,server,telnet

We get the following error:

QEMU 1.7.0 monitor - type 'help' for more information

(qemu) QEMU waiting for connection on: telnet:0.0.0.0:4444,server

e500_mmu_host_init: need to know host tlb size

kvm_init_vcpu failed: Operation not permitted

So, first of all, is it possible to have Topaz and QEMU/KVM working together? If so, how can we solve this issue? Then, even though we could manage to run VMs in this scenario, would their performance be greatly restricted due to the overhead introduced by both hypervisors? Are there any other considerations to take into account regarding performance (such as the possibility to use Direct I/O, etc.)?

Thanks,

Juan

[scottwood · Accepted solution]

Neither Topaz, nor KVM on booke, support nested virtualization.  The hardware wasn't designed for it.

[jrodrigo]

Hi Scott,

Is it possible to use LXC together with Topaz?

Is there any hardware that support nested virtualization? For example the serie T4XXX?

Thanks,

Juan.

[scottwood]

Yes, you can use LXC as that does not require hardware virtualization support.

No, t4 (e6500) is also booke.  None of the QorIQ PPC chips support nested virtualization.

[jrodrigo]

Thanks Scott.

Juan.

[jrodrigo]

Hi Scott,

Does it make sense to use Topaz and LXCs?

Thanks,

Juan.

[scottwood]

If the combination does something useful for you, sure.