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Chapter 2. Host system requirements for real-time virtualization

To host real-time VMs, RHEL 9 systems must meet the following requirements:

  • Real-time kernel

    To configure your RHEL 9 host as a real-time system, you must install the real-time kernel. For instructions, see Installing RHEL for Real Time.

    In addition, you must do the following on the host:

    • Enable the NFV repository: 

      # sudo subscription-manager repos --enable=rhel-9-server-nfv-rpms
      Copy to Clipboard Toggle word wrap

    • Install the kernel-rt-kvm and tuned-profiles-nfv packages: 

      # dnf install kernel-rt-kvm tuned-profiles-nfv
      Copy to Clipboard Toggle word wrap

  • Virtualization

    The RHEL 9 virtualization packages must be installed on your host. For instructions, see Enabling virtualization.

  • BIOS

    To successfully deploy and run real-time virtual machines, the system BIOS of your host must be configured for minimum latency. To do so, follow the instructions specific to the hardware model of your host machine. For example:

    Specific low-latency settings vary across different vendors and models, but in general, steps for minimizing latency include the following:

    • Disable advanced Hardware Power Management options. These provide more control over various specific power management aspects, but might also cause latency spikes.

    • Disable lower CPU power states, such as C-states or C1E.

      Important

      Some low-latency BIOS guides might recommend disabling virtualization. However, this step must be skipped for real-time VMs to work correctly on your host.

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