How to Deploy RedHat Enterprise Virtualization Hypervisor (RHEV-H)

RedHat Enterprise Virtualization Hypervisor (RHEV-H) is a bare-metal hypervisor based on the open-source Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) technology. It provides hardware-based virtualization that enables multiple operating systems to run efficiently on a single physical server, creating a scalable and cost-effective virtualization infrastructure for modern data centers.

System Requirements

Before deploying RHEV-H, ensure your system meets these minimum requirements:

• Processor 64-bit x86 processor with virtualization extensions (Intel VT or AMD-V)

• Memory At least 4 GB of RAM for the hypervisor

• Storage Minimum 10 GB disk space for installation

• Network Network interface controller supporting at least 1 Gbps Ethernet

• Storage Backend Supported storage device or SAN connection

RHEV-H supports various guest operating systems including Windows, Linux, and Solaris distributions. Proper resource allocation is essential for optimal performance.

Pre-Deployment Preparation

Download and Verify RHEV-H Image

Download the latest RHEV-H ISO image from the official RedHat Customer Portal. After downloading, verify the image integrity by comparing its checksum with the official checksum provided by RedHat:

sha256sum rhev-hypervisor-*.iso

Create Bootable Media

Create a bootable USB drive or burn the ISO to a CD/DVD. For Linux systems, use the dd command:

dd if=rhev-hypervisor-*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
sync

For Windows systems, use tools like Rufus or Win32DiskImager to create the bootable media.

RHEV-H Installation Process

Boot and Initial Setup

Insert the bootable media into the target server and boot from it. Access the boot menu (typically F12) and select the USB or CD/DVD option. The RHEV-H installer will present language and installation type options.

Network Configuration

Configure network settings during installation:

• DHCP Automatic IP assignment (recommended for simple deployments)

• Static IP Manual configuration with IP address, netmask, gateway, and DNS

Storage Configuration

Select the local storage device for RHEV-H installation. For production environments, ensure you have configured shared storage (NFS, iSCSI, or Fibre Channel) that will be used for virtual machine storage domains.

Security Setup

Set a strong root password for administrative access. This password will be used for both console access and web-based management.

Post-Installation Configuration

Access RHEV-H Console

After installation, access the RHEV-H web console by navigating to the server's IP address in a web browser. Log in using:

• Username: root

• Password: The root password set during installation

Configure Storage Domains

Create storage domains for virtual machine data:

1. Navigate to Storage Domains tab

2. Click New Domain

3. Select storage type (NFS, iSCSI, or Local)

4. Provide connection details and domain name

5. Activate the storage domain

Create Virtual Machines

Deploy virtual machines through the web console:

1. Click Virtual Machines tab

2. Select New VM

3. Configure VM parameters:

   • Name and description

   • Operating system type

   • Memory and CPU allocation

   • Network interface configuration

   • Boot media (ISO image or existing disk)

4. Review settings and create the VM

System Updates and Maintenance

Keep RHEV-H updated with the latest security patches and feature updates. Use the command-line interface for updates:

yum update
reboot

Alternatively, use the Updates tab in the web console to view and install available updates through the graphical interface.

Key Management Tasks

Conclusion

RHEV-H deployment involves careful preparation, proper installation, and systematic post-deployment configuration. The hypervisor provides a robust foundation for virtualization infrastructure with intuitive management tools. Regular updates and monitoring ensure optimal performance and security for your virtualized environment.