1.7. Data Center and Cluster Compatibility Levels
Red Hat Virtualization data centers and clusters have a compatibility version.
The data center compatibility version indicates the version of Red Hat Virtualization that the data center is intended to be compatible with. All clusters in the data center must support the desired compatibility level.
The cluster compatibility version indicates the features of Red Hat Virtualization supported by all of the hosts in the cluster. The cluster compatibility is set according to the version of the least capable host operating system in the cluster.
The table below provides a compatibility matrix of RHV versions and the required data center and cluster compatibility levels.
| Compatibility Level | RHV Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4.7 | 4.4 | Compatibility Level 4.7 was introduced in RHV 4.4 to support new features introduced by RHEL 8.6 hypervisors. |
| 4.6 | 4.4.6 | Compatibility Level 4.6 was introduced in RHV 4.4.6 to support new features introduced by RHEL 8.4 hypervisors with Advanced Virtualization 8.4 packages. |
| 4.5 | 4.4.3 | Compatibility Level 4.5 was introduced in RHV 4.4.3 to support new features introduced by RHEL 8.3 hypervisors with Advanced Virtualization 8.3 packages. |
Limitations
Virtio NICs are enumerated as a different device after upgrading the cluster compatibility level to 4.6. Therefore, the NICs might need to be reconfigured. Red Hat recommends that you test the virtual machines before you upgrade the cluster by setting the cluster compatibility level to 4.6 on the virtual machine and verifying the network connection.
If the network connection for the virtual machine fails, configure the virtual machine with a custom emulated machine that matches the current emulated machine, for example pc-q35-rhel8.3.0 for 4.5 compatibility version, before upgrading the cluster.
