Multiple virtual machines (VMs) can share a single hardware GPU thanks to GPU virtualization with KVM / QEMU. Bobcares, as a part of our Virtualizor Support offers solutions to every query that comes our way.

More on GPU Virtualization with KVM / QEMU

GPU virtualization with KVM / QEMU enables optimal use of GPU resources in virtualized environments. Thus allowing several virtual machines (VMs) to share a single physical GPU. Linux has a virtualization program called KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine), and QEMU is an open-source emulator that enables hardware virtualization in conjunction with KVM.

When running graphically demanding programs inside virtual machines, such as 3D rendering, machine learning, or video processing, GPU virtualization is especially helpful. Formerly, there is a limit in the performance of GPU-dependent tasks in virtualized settings since GPUs were not directly accessible to VMs. However, with KVM/QEMU, we can increase performance and enhance GPU resource consumption.

Working of GPU Virtualization with KVM / QEMU

1. VFIO Driver and IOMMU: The VFIO (Virtual Function I/O) driver achieves GPU virtualization. User-space processes like QEMU can directly access PCIe devices like GPUs thanks to the VFIO driver. The hardware’s IOMMU (Input-Output Memory Management Unit), which separates device memory from virtual machine memory, enables safe and secure direct access.

2. Host Device Assignment: The GPU is disconnected from the host’s display system by being bound to the VFIO driver using the VFIO driver. As a result, the GPU assigns directly to a particular VM.

3. QEMU Emulation: The emulation layer for managing virtual machines is provided by QEMU. QEMU serves as a middleman between the virtual machine and the hardware GPU when it receives a request for the GPU.

4. Guest Driver: To connect with the simulated GPU supplied by QEMU, the virtual machine running inside KVM needs a guest GPU driver. This guest driver is unique to the operating system and architecture of the virtual machine.

5. GPU Scheduling and Sharing: KVM/QEMU effectively arranges GPU access between VMs using GPU virtualization. To ensure equitable use of GPU resources, there will be the distribution of the GPU time among the VMs according to their demands.

6. Direct Graphics Acceleration: Direct graphics acceleration, which is available once GPU virtualization is set up, greatly enhances the performance of graphics-intensive apps.

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Conclusion

The article provides an overview of GPU Virtualization with KVM/QEMU, along with its working details provided by our Tech team.