Knowledge Base

A Virtual Private Server (VDS) acts as a bridge between shared hosting and a physical server. It offers more resources, customization, and control, making it an ideal solution for growing websites, applications, and custom server requirements. KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and Proxmox are two of the most popular and powerful virtualization technologies for VDS setup. In this article, we will examine in detail how to set up a high-performance VDS environment using KVM and Proxmox.

1. Virtualization Technologies: Introduction to KVM and Proxmox

1.1. What is KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)?

KVM is an open-source virtualization technology integrated into the Linux kernel. KVM transforms the Linux kernel into a hypervisor, allowing multiple operating systems (virtual machines) to run in parallel on the same hardware. KVM delivers high performance using hardware virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) and supports various operating systems.

1.2. What is Proxmox VE (Virtual Environment)?

Proxmox VE is an open-source server virtualization platform based on KVM and LXC (Linux Containers). Proxmox VE offers advanced features such as a web-based interface, central management, live migration, backup, and restore. By combining KVM and LXC, it provides an ideal platform for both virtual machines and containers.

1.3. Why KVM and Proxmox?

KVM and Proxmox offer many advantages for VDS setup:

• High Performance: KVM delivers near bare metal performance using hardware virtualization.
• Flexibility: KVM supports various operating systems and allows you to dynamically adjust the hardware resources of virtual machines.
• Security: KVM increases security by isolating virtual machines from each other.
• Central Management: Proxmox VE allows you to easily manage virtual machines and containers through its web-based interface.
• Advanced Features: Proxmox VE offers advanced features such as live migration, backup, restore, and high availability (HA).
• Open Source: Both KVM and Proxmox VE are open source, which saves costs and provides access to community support.

2. Hardware and Software Requirements

2.1. Hardware Requirements

The following hardware requirements are recommended for a high-performance VDS setup:

• Processor: Intel Xeon E3/E5 series or AMD EPYC series processor (must support hardware virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x or AMD-V))
• RAM: At least 16 GB of RAM (can be increased depending on the number of virtual machines and resource needs)
• Storage: High-speed SSD (Solid State Drive) or NVMe SSD (Non-Volatile Memory Express) storage (RAID configuration recommended)
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet network connection

2.2. Software Requirements

You will need the following software for VDS installation:

• Operating System: A Linux distribution such as Debian, Ubuntu, or CentOS (Proxmox VE is Debian-based)
• Proxmox VE: Proxmox VE installation ISO file (Proxmox Download Page)
• SSH Client: An SSH client for remote access to the server (e.g., PuTTY)

Important Note: Make sure your hardware supports virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x or AMD-V). You may need to enable this in the BIOS settings.

3. Proxmox VE Installation

3.1. Downloading and Preparing the Proxmox VE ISO File

Download the latest version of Proxmox VE from the Proxmox Download Page. Burn the ISO file to a USB drive or DVD.

3.2. Booting the Server with the Proxmox VE ISO

Boot the server with the Proxmox VE ISO. Set the boot order in the BIOS settings to USB or DVD drive.

3.3. Proxmox VE Installation Wizard

The Proxmox VE installation wizard will start. Follow the installation steps:

1. License Agreement: Accept the license agreement.
2. Target Disk Selection: Select the disk on which Proxmox VE will be installed. Specify whether you want to format the disk.
3. Country, Time Zone, and Keyboard Layout: Select your country, time zone, and keyboard layout.
4. Password and Email Address: Enter the administrator (root) password and your email address.
5. Network Configuration: Configure the server's network configuration (IP address, network mask, gateway, DNS server).
6. Confirm Installation: Review your installation settings and confirm the installation.

3.4. Completing the Installation and Accessing the Server

After the installation is complete, the server will restart. To access the Proxmox VE web interface, open a web browser and enter the server's IP address (e.g., `https://server_ip_address:8006`). Log in with the administrator (root) username and password.

4. Creating and Managing Virtual Machines (VMs)

4.1. Creating a New Virtual Machine

In the Proxmox VE web interface, select your server from the left menu and click the "Create VM" button in the upper right corner. The virtual machine creation wizard will start.

4.2. Virtual Machine Settings

Configure the virtual machine settings:

• VM ID: Enter a unique ID for the virtual machine.
• Name: Enter a name for the virtual machine.
• Resource Pool: Assign the virtual machine to a resource pool (optional).
• OS: Select an operating system ISO file for the virtual machine.
• Guest OS: Select a guest operating system type for the virtual machine (e.g., Linux, Windows).
• CPU: Set the number of CPU cores to be assigned to the virtual machine.
• Memory: Set the amount of RAM to be assigned to the virtual machine.
• Hard Disk: Create a virtual disk for the virtual machine. Set the disk size, storage format (e.g., qcow2), and storage location.
• Network: Create a network interface for the virtual machine. Set the bridge mode and VLAN ID.

4.3. Starting the Virtual Machine and Installing the Operating System

After the virtual machine is created, select the virtual machine and click the "Start" button in the upper right corner. Click the "Console" button to access the virtual machine console. Start the operating system installation and follow the instructions.

4.4. Virtual Machine Management

The Proxmox VE web interface provides various tools for managing virtual machines:

• Start/Stop/Reboot: Start, stop, or restart the virtual machine.
• Console: Access the virtual machine console.
• Migrate: Move the virtual machine to a different server (live migration).
• Backup/Restore: Back up and restore the virtual machine.
• Snapshot: Take a snapshot of the virtual machine.
• Clone: Clone the virtual machine.
• Resource Allocation: Adjust the CPU, RAM, and disk resources allocated to the virtual machine.

5. Creating and Managing Containers (LXC)

5.1. What are LXC Containers?

LXC (Linux Containers) is an operating system-level virtualization technology. LXC uses the features of the Linux kernel (cgroups and namespaces) to allow multiple isolated user space instances (containers) to run on the same kernel. LXC containers are lighter and faster than virtual machines.

5.2. Creating a New LXC Container

In the Proxmox VE web interface, select your server from the left menu and click the "Create CT" button in the upper right corner. The container creation wizard will start.

5.3. Container Settings

Configure the container settings:

• CT ID: Enter a unique ID for the container.
• Hostname: Enter a hostname for the container.
• Password: Enter a root password for the container.
• Template: Select a template for the container (e.g., Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS).
• Storage: Set the storage location for the container.
• Network: Create a network interface for the container. Set the bridge mode and IP address.
• Resources: Set the number of CPU cores, amount of RAM, and disk space to be allocated to the container.

5.4. Starting and Managing the Container

After the container is created, select the container and click the "Start" button in the upper right corner. To access the container console, click the "Console" button. You can connect via SSH to run commands inside the container.

5.5. Container Management

The Proxmox VE web interface provides various tools for managing containers:

• Start/Stop/Reboot: Start, stop, or restart the container.
• Console: Access the container console.
• Migrate: Move the container to a different server (live migration).
• Backup/Restore: Backup and restore the container.
• Snapshot: Take a snapshot of the container.
• Clone: Clone the container.
• Resource Allocation: Set the CPU, RAM, and disk resources allocated to the container.

6. Network Configuration

6.1. Bridge Network

A bridge network allows virtual machines and containers to connect directly to the physical network. Proxmox VE configures the bridge network via the `vmbr0` interface. Virtual machines and containers can communicate with other devices on the physical network by obtaining an IP address assigned to the `vmbr0` interface.

6.2. VLAN (Virtual LAN)

A VLAN (Virtual LAN) allows you to create multiple logical networks on the same physical network. VLANs can be used to isolate network traffic and improve security. Proxmox VE supports VLANs, and you can assign virtual machines and containers to different VLANs.

6.3. Network Security

To ensure the security of the VDS environment, it is recommended to take the following measures:

• Firewall: Enable the Proxmox VE firewall and only allow necessary ports.
• SSH Security: Secure SSH access. Disable password-based authentication and use key-based authentication.
• Updates: Regularly update Proxmox VE and the operating systems in virtual machines/containers.
• Strong Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for all user accounts.

7. Backup and Restore

7.1. Proxmox VE Backup Tool

Proxmox VE has a built-in backup tool for backing up virtual machines and containers. Backups can be saved to a local disk, a network share (NFS, SMB/CIFS), or Proxmox Backup Server (PBS).

7.2. Backup Configuration

Configure the backup settings:

• Backup Mode: Select the backup mode (snapshot, suspend, or stop).
• Compression: Select the backup compression algorithm (gzip, lzo, or zstd).
• Storage: Select the storage location where backups will be saved.
• Schedule: Set the backup schedule (e.g., daily, weekly).

7.3. Restoring a Backup

To restore a backup, select the backup file in the Proxmox VE web interface and click the "Restore" button. Configure the restore settings and start the restore.

8. High Availability (HA)

8.1. Proxmox VE HA Cluster

Proxmox VE allows you to create a high availability (HA) cluster. An HA cluster ensures that virtual machines and containers are automatically migrated to another server if one server fails. This minimizes service interruptions and provides high availability.

8.2. HA Cluster Setup

You need at least three servers to set up an HA cluster. Detailed instructions on setting up an HA cluster can be found in the Proxmox VE documentation (Proxmox HA Cluster).

9. Performance Monitoring and Optimization

9.1. Performance Monitoring Tools

You can use the following tools to monitor the performance of the VDS environment:

• Proxmox VE Web Interface: The Proxmox VE web interface displays basic performance metrics such as CPU usage, RAM usage, disk I/O, and network traffic.
• Grafana and Prometheus: Grafana and Prometheus are advanced performance monitoring and visualization tools. They can be integrated with Proxmox VE.
• htop: htop is an interactive process viewer for Linux. It provides detailed information about CPU usage, RAM usage, and processes.
• iostat: iostat displays disk I/O statistics.
• netstat: netstat provides information about network connections and network traffic.

9.2. Performance Optimization Tips

You can apply the following tips to optimize the performance of the VDS environment:

• Choose the Right Virtualization Type: Choose between KVM and LXC, whichever best suits your application's requirements. KVM provides more isolation and compatibility, while LXC is lighter and faster.
• Allocate Resources Correctly: Carefully adjust the CPU, RAM, and disk resources allocated to virtual machines and containers. Excessive resource allocation can cause performance issues.
• Use SSD Storage: SSD or NVMe SSD storage significantly improves disk I/O performance.
• Use Caching: Use caching mechanisms for database servers and web servers (e.g., Memcached, Redis).
• Optimize Network Performance: Configure network interfaces correctly and prevent network congestion.
• Optimize the Operating System: Optimize the operating systems in virtual machines and containers for performance. Disable unnecessary services and adjust kernel parameters.

10. Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

10.1. Web Hosting Provider Case Study

A web hosting provider uses KVM and Proxmox VE to offer VDS services to its customers. Thanks to Proxmox VE's central management features, they can easily create, manage, and monitor virtual machines and containers. KVM's high performance ensures that customers' websites and applications run quickly and reliably. The HA cluster minimizes service interruptions in the event of server failures.

10.2. Development Environment Case Study

A software development team uses LXC containers to create isolated development environments for different projects. LXC containers are lightweight and fast, allowing them to quickly set up and deploy development environments. Proxmox VE's backup and restore features allow them to easily back up and restore development environments.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Conclusion and Summary

KVM and Proxmox VE are powerful tools for creating a high-performance and flexible VDS environment. KVM's hardware virtualization capabilities and Proxmox VE's centralized management features allow you to easily create, manage, and monitor virtual machines and containers. In this article, we covered the basic steps and best practices for setting up a VDS using KVM and Proxmox VE. Using this information, you can create your own VDS environment and customize it to your needs.

Remember, you can also solve your VDS infrastructure by outsourcing with VPS Virtual Server Services. This is an ideal option for those who do not want to deal with technical details such as hardware management and server setup.