version 1.59, 2014/12/27 15:46:47
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version 1.129, 2016/12/20 19:37:13
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Line 27 code for Xen and need not be aware that
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Line 27 code for Xen and need not be aware that
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Attempts to access hardware registers are trapped and emulated. This |
Attempts to access hardware registers are trapped and emulated. This |
style is less efficient but can run unmodified guests. |
style is less efficient but can run unmodified guests. |
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Generally any amd64 machine will work with Xen and PV guests. In |
Generally any machine that runs NetBSD/amd64 will work with Xen and PV |
theory i386 computers without amd64 support can be used for Xen <= |
guests. In theory i386 computers (without x86_64/amd64 support) can |
4.2, but we have no recent reports of this working (this is a hint). |
be used for Xen <= 4.2, but we have no recent reports of this working |
For HVM guests, the VT or VMX cpu feature (Intel) or SVM/HVM/VT |
(this is a hint). For HVM guests, hardware support is needed, but it |
(amd64) is needed; "cpuctl identify 0" will show this. TODO: Clean up |
is common on recent machines. For Intel CPUs, one needs the VT-x |
and check the above features. |
extension, shown in "cpuctl identify 0" as VMX. For AMD CPUs, one |
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needs the AMD-V extensions, shown in "cpuctl identify 0" as SVM. |
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There are further features for IOMMU virtualization, Intel's VT-d and |
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AMD's AMD-Vi. TODO: Explain whether Xen on NetBSD makes use of these |
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features. TODO: Review by someone who really understands this. |
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Note that a FreeBSD dom0 requires VT-x and VT-d (or equivalent); this |
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is because the FreeBSD dom0 does not run in PV mode. |
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At boot, the dom0 kernel is loaded as a module with Xen as the kernel. |
At boot, the dom0 kernel is loaded as a module with Xen as the kernel. |
The dom0 can start one or more domUs. (Booting is explained in detail |
The dom0 can start one or more domUs. (Booting is explained in detail |
Line 44 attempts to address both the case of run
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Line 51 attempts to address both the case of run
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and running domUs under it (NetBSD and other), and also running NetBSD |
and running domUs under it (NetBSD and other), and also running NetBSD |
as a domU in a VPS. |
as a domU in a VPS. |
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Some versions of Xen support "PCI passthrough", which means that |
Xen 3.1 in pkgsrc supports "PCI passthrough", which means that |
specific PCI devices can be made available to a specific domU instead |
specific PCI devices can be made available to a specific domU instead |
of the dom0. This can be useful to let a domU run X11, or access some |
of the dom0. This can be useful to let a domU run X11, or access some |
network interface or other peripheral. |
network interface or other peripheral. |
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NetBSD used to support Xen2; this has been removed. |
NetBSD 6 and earlier supported Xen 2; support was removed from NetBSD |
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7. Xen 2 has been removed from pkgsrc. |
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites |
------------- |
------------- |
Line 61 things must be done, guiding the reader
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Line 69 things must be done, guiding the reader
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path when there are no known good reasons to stray. |
path when there are no known good reasons to stray. |
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This HOWTO presumes a basic familiarity with the Xen system |
This HOWTO presumes a basic familiarity with the Xen system |
architecture. This HOWTO presumes familiarity with installing NetBSD |
architecture, with installing NetBSD on i386/amd64 hardware, and with |
on i386/amd64 hardware and installing software from pkgsrc. |
installing software from pkgsrc. See also the [Xen |
See also the [Xen website](http://www.xenproject.org/). |
website](http://www.xenproject.org/). |
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Versions of Xen and NetBSD |
Versions of Xen and NetBSD |
========================== |
========================== |
Line 76 versions of NetBSD are intentionally ign
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Line 84 versions of NetBSD are intentionally ign
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Xen |
Xen |
--- |
--- |
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In NetBSD, xen is provided in pkgsrc, via matching pairs of packages |
In NetBSD, Xen is provided in pkgsrc, via matching pairs of packages |
xenkernel and xentools. We will refer only to the kernel versions, |
xenkernel and xentools. We will refer only to the kernel versions, |
but note that both packages must be installed together and must have |
but note that both packages must be installed together and must have |
matching versions. |
matching versions. |
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xenkernel3 and xenkernel33 provide Xen 3.1 and 3.3. These no longer |
xenkernel3 provides Xen 3.1. It is no longer maintained by Xen, and the last applied security patch was in |
receive security patches and should not be used. Xen 3.1 supports PCI |
2011. Thus, it should not be used. It supports PCI passthrough, |
passthrough. Xen 3.1 supports non-PAE on i386. |
which is why people use it anyway. Xen 3.1 supports i386, both PAE and |
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non-PAE. |
xenkernel41 provides Xen 4.1. This is no longer maintained by Xen, |
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but as of 2014-12 receives backported security patches. It is a |
xenkernel33 provides Xen 3.3. It is no longer maintained by Xen, and |
reasonable although trailing-edge choice. |
the last applied security patch was in 2012. Thus, it should not be |
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used. Xen 3.3 supports i386, but only in PAE mode. There are no good |
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reasons to run this version. |
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xenkernel41 provides Xen 4.1. It is no longer maintained by Xen, but |
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as of 2016-12 received backported security patches. Xen 4.1 supports |
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i386, but only in PAE mode. There are no good reasons to run this |
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version. |
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xenkernel42 provides Xen 4.2. It is no longer maintained by Xen, but |
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as of 2016-12 received backported security patches. Xen 4.2 supports |
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i386, but only in PAE mode. The only reason to run this is if you |
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need to use xm instead of xl, or if you need to run an i386 dom0 |
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(because your hardware is i386 only). |
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xenkernel45 provides Xen 4.5. As of 2016-12, security patches were |
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released by Xen and applied to pkgsrc. Xen 4.5 requires using a dom0 |
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running NetBSD's amd64 port (Intel or AMD hardware is fine), but domUs |
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can be amd64 or i386 PAE. TODO: It is either a conservative choice or |
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somewhat old. |
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xenkernel46 provides Xen 4.6. It is new to pkgsrc as of 2016-05. As |
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of 2016-12, security patches were released by Xen and applied to |
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pkgsrc. Xen 4.6 similarly requires a NetBSD/amd64 dom0, but domUs can |
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be amd64 or i386 PAE. TODO: It is either a somewhat aggressive choice |
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or the standard choice. |
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xenkernel42 provides Xen 4.2. This is maintained by Xen, but old as |
Xen 4.7 (released 2016-06) and 4.8 (released 2016-12) are not yet in |
of 2014-12. |
pkgsrc. |
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Ideally newer versions of Xen will be added to pkgsrc. |
See also the [Xen Security Advisory page](http://xenbits.xen.org/xsa/). |
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Note that NetBSD support is called XEN3. It works with 3.1 through |
Note that NetBSD support is called XEN3. It works with Xen 3 and Xen |
4.2 because the hypercall interface has been stable. |
4 because the hypercall interface has been stable. |
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Xen command program |
Xen command program |
------------------- |
------------------- |
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Early Xen used a program called "xm" to manipulate the system from the |
Early Xen used a program called xm to manipulate the system from the |
dom0. Starting in 4.1, a replacement program with similar behavior |
dom0. Starting in 4.1, a replacement program with similar behavior |
called "xl" is provided. In 4.2 and later, "xl" is preferred. 4.4 is |
called xl is provided, but it does not work well in 4.1. In 4.2, both |
the last version that has "xm". |
xm and xl work fine. 4.4 is the last version that has xm. |
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You must make a global choice to use xm or xl, because it affects not |
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only which command you use, but the command used by rc.d scripts |
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(specifically xendomains) and which daemons should be run. The |
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xentools packages provide xm for 3.1, 3.3 and 4.1 and xl for 4.2 and up. |
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In 4.2, you can choose to use xm by simply changing the ctl_command |
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variable. |
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With xl, virtual devices are configured in parallel, which can cause |
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problems if they are written assuming serial operation (e.g., updating |
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firewall rules without explicit locking). |
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There is now locking for xl startup, but as of 201612 it has not been |
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adequately tested. |
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NetBSD |
NetBSD |
------ |
------ |
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The netbsd-5, netbsd-6, netbsd-7, and -current branches are all |
The netbsd-6, netbsd-7, and -current branches are all reasonable |
reasonable choices, with more or less the same considerations for |
choices, with more or less the same considerations for non-Xen use. |
non-Xen use. Therefore, netbsd-6 is recommended as the stable version |
Therefore, netbsd-7 is recommended as the stable version of the most |
of the most recent release for production use. For those wanting to |
recent release for production use. In addition, netbsd-7 and -current |
learn Xen or without production stability concerns, netbsd-7 is likely |
have a important scheduler fix (in November of 2015) affecting |
most appropriate. |
contention between dom0 and domUs; see |
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https://releng.netbsd.org/cgi-bin/req-7.cgi?show=1040 for a |
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description. For those wanting to learn Xen or without production |
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stability concerns, netbsd-7 is still likely most appropriate, but |
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-current is also a reasonable choice. (Xen runs ok on netbsd-5, but |
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the xentools packages are likely difficult to build, and netbsd-5 is |
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not supported.) |
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As of NetBSD 6, a NetBSD domU will support multiple vcpus. There is |
As of NetBSD 6, a NetBSD domU will support multiple vcpus. There is |
no SMP support for NetBSD as dom0. (The dom0 itself doesn't really |
no SMP support for NetBSD as dom0. (The dom0 itself doesn't really |
need SMP; the lack of support is really a problem when using a dom0 as |
need SMP for dom0 functions; the lack of support is really a problem |
a normal computer.) |
when using a dom0 as a normal computer.) |
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Architecture |
Architecture |
------------ |
------------ |
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Xen itself can run on i386 or amd64 machines. (Practically, almost |
Xen itself can run on i386 (Xen < 3.1) or amd64 machines (all Xen |
any computer where one would want to run Xen supports amd64.) If |
versions). (Practically, almost any computer where one would want to |
using an i386 NetBSD kernel for the dom0, PAE is required (PAE |
run Xen today supports amd64.) |
versions are built by default). While i386 dom0 works fine, amd64 is |
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recommended as more normal. |
Xen, the dom0 kernel, and each domU kernel can be either i386 or |
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amd64. When building a xenkernel package, one obtains i386 on an i386 |
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host, and amd64 on an amd64 host. If the Xen kernel is i386, then the |
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dom0 kernel and all domU kernels must be i386. With an amd64 Xen |
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kernel, an amd64 dom0 kernel is known to work, and an i386PAE dom0 |
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kernel should in theory work. An amd64 Xen/dom0 is known to support |
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both i386PAE and amd64 domUs. |
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i386 dom0 and domU kernels must be PAE (except for Xen 3.1); these are |
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built by default. (Note that emacs (at least) fails if run on i386 |
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with PAE when built without, and vice versa, presumably due to bugs in |
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the undump code.) |
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Because of the above, the standard approach is to use amd64 for the |
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dom0. |
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Xen 4.2 is the last version to support i386 as a host. TODO: Clarify |
Xen 4.2 is the last version to support i386 as a host. TODO: Clarify |
if this is about the CPU having to be amd64, or about the dom0 kernel |
if this is about the CPU, the Xen kernel, or the dom0 kernel having to |
having to be amd64. |
be amd64. |
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One can then run i386 domUs and amd64 domUs, in any combination. If |
Stability |
running an i386 NetBSD kernel as a domU, the PAE version is required. |
--------- |
(Note that emacs (at least) fails if run on i386 with PAE when built |
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without, and vice versa, presumably due to bugs in the undump code.) |
Mostly, NetBSD as a dom0 or domU is quite stable. |
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However, there are some open PRs indicating problems. |
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- [PR 48125](http://gnats.netbsd.org/48125) |
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- [PR 47720](http://gnats.netbsd.org/47720) |
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Note also that there are issues with sparse vnd(4) instances, but |
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these are not about Xen -- they just are noticed with sparse vnd(4) |
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instances in support of virtual disks in a dom0. |
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Recommendation |
Recommendation |
-------------- |
-------------- |
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Therefore, this HOWTO recommends running xenkernel42 (and xentools42), |
Therefore, this HOWTO recommends running xenkernel45 or xenkernel46, |
xl, the NetBSD 6 stable branch, and to use an amd64 kernel as the |
xl, the NetBSD 7 stable branch, and to use an amd64 kernel as the |
dom0. Either the i386 or amd64 of NetBSD may be used as domUs. |
dom0. Either the i386PAE or amd64 version of NetBSD may be used as |
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domUs. |
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Build problems |
Status |
-------------- |
------ |
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Ideally, all versions of Xen in pkgsrc would build on all versions of |
Ideally, all versions of Xen in pkgsrc would build on all supported |
NetBSD on both i386 and amd64. However, that isn't the case. Besides |
versions of NetBSD/amd64, to the point where this section would be |
aging code and aging compilers, qemu (included in xentools for HVM |
silly. However, that has not always been the case. Besides aging |
support) is difficult to build. The following are known to fail: |
code and aging compilers, qemu (included in xentools for HVM support) |
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is difficult to build. Note that there is intentionally no data for |
xenkernel3 netbsd-6 i386 |
4.5+ up for i386, and often omits xentools info if the corresponding |
xentools42 netbsd-6 i386 |
kernel fails. |
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The following are known to work: |
The following table gives status, with the date last checked |
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(generally on the most recent quarterly branch). The first code is |
xenkernel41 netbsd-5 amd64 |
"builds" if it builds ok, and "FAIL" for a failure to build. The |
xentools41 netbsd-5 amd64 |
second code/date only appears for xenkernel* and is "works" if it runs |
xenkernel41 netbsd-6 i386 |
ok as a dom0, and "FAIL" if it won't boot or run a domU. |
xentools41 netbsd-6 i386 |
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xenkernel3 netbsd-6 i386 FAIL 201612 |
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xenkernel33 netbsd-6 i386 FAIL 201612 |
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xenkernel41 netbsd-6 i386 builds 201612 |
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xenkernel42 netbsd-6 i386 builds 201612 |
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xentools3 netbsd-6 i386 FAIL 201612 |
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xentools33 netbsd-6 i386 FAIL 201612 |
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xentools41 netbsd-6 i386 builds 201612 |
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xentools42 netbsd-6 i386 FAIL 201612 |
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xenkernel3 netbsd-7 i386 FAIL 201412 |
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xenkernel33 netbsd-7 i386 FAIL 201412 |
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xenkernel41 netbsd-7 i386 builds 201412 |
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xenkernel42 netbsd-7 i386 builds 201412 |
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xentools41 netbsd-7 i386 builds 201412 |
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xentools42 netbsd-7 i386 ??FAIL 201412 |
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xenkernel3 netbsd-6 amd64 FAIL 201612 |
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xenkernel33 netbsd-6 amd64 FAIL 201612 |
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xenkernel41 netbsd-6 amd64 builds 201612 works 201612 |
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xenkernel42 netbsd-6 amd64 builds 201612 works 201612 |
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xenkernel45 netbsd-6 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xenkernel46 netbsd-6 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools41 netbsd-6 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools42 netbsd-6 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools45 netbsd-6 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools46 netbsd-6 amd64 FAIL 201612 |
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xenkernel3 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xenkernel33 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xenkernel41 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xenkernel42 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xenkernel45 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xenkernel46 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools3 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools3-hvm netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools33 netbsd-7 amd64 FAIL 201612 |
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xentools41 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools42 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools45 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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xentools46 netbsd-7 amd64 builds 201612 |
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NetBSD as a dom0 |
NetBSD as a dom0 |
================ |
================ |
Line 191 dom0 is what the computer would have bee
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Line 309 dom0 is what the computer would have bee
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desktop or laptop. Then, one can run domUs at will. Purists will |
desktop or laptop. Then, one can run domUs at will. Purists will |
deride this as less secure than the previous approach, and for a |
deride this as less secure than the previous approach, and for a |
computer whose purpose is to run domUs, they are right. But Xen and a |
computer whose purpose is to run domUs, they are right. But Xen and a |
dom0 (without domUs) is not meaingfully less secure than the same |
dom0 (without domUs) is not meaningfully less secure than the same |
things running without Xen. One can boot Xen or boot regular NetBSD |
things running without Xen. One can boot Xen or boot regular NetBSD |
alternately with little problems, simply refraining from starting the |
alternately with little problems, simply refraining from starting the |
Xen daemons when not running Xen. |
Xen daemons when not running Xen. |
Line 212 However, the partitioning approach is ve
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Line 330 However, the partitioning approach is ve
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If you want to use RAIDframe for the dom0, there are no special issues |
If you want to use RAIDframe for the dom0, there are no special issues |
for Xen. Typically one provides RAID storage for the dom0, and the |
for Xen. Typically one provides RAID storage for the dom0, and the |
domU systems are unaware of RAID. The 2nd-stage loader bootxx_* skips |
domU systems are unaware of RAID. The 2nd-stage loader bootxx_* skips |
over a RAID1 header to find /boot from a filesystem within a RAID |
over a RAID1 header to find /boot from a file system within a RAID |
partition; this is no different when booting Xen. |
partition; this is no different when booting Xen. |
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There are 4 styles of providing backing storage for the virtual disks |
There are 4 styles of providing backing storage for the virtual disks |
used by domUs: raw partitions, LVM, file-backed vnd(4), and SAN, |
used by domUs: raw partitions, LVM, file-backed vnd(4), and SAN. |
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With raw partitions, one has a disklabel (or gpt) partition sized for |
With raw partitions, one has a disklabel (or gpt) partition sized for |
each virtual disk to be used by the domU. (If you are able to predict |
each virtual disk to be used by the domU. (If you are able to predict |
Line 228 for domU disks. This is almost as effic
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Line 346 for domU disks. This is almost as effic
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and more flexible. Hence raw disk partitions should typically not |
and more flexible. Hence raw disk partitions should typically not |
be used. |
be used. |
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One can use files in the dom0 filesystem, typically created by dd'ing |
One can use files in the dom0 file system, typically created by dd'ing |
/dev/zero to create a specific size. This is somewhat less efficient, |
/dev/zero to create a specific size. This is somewhat less efficient, |
but very convenient, as one can cp the files for backup, or move them |
but very convenient, as one can cp the files for backup, or move them |
between dom0 hosts. |
between dom0 hosts. |
Line 241 Installation of Xen
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Line 359 Installation of Xen
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------------------- |
------------------- |
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In the dom0, install sysutils/xenkernel42 and sysutils/xentools42 from |
In the dom0, install sysutils/xenkernel42 and sysutils/xentools42 from |
pkgsrc (or another matching pair). |
pkgsrc (or another matching pair). See [the pkgsrc |
See [the pkgsrc |
documentation](http://www.NetBSD.org/docs/pkgsrc/) for help with |
documentation](http://www.NetBSD.org/docs/pkgsrc/) for help with pkgsrc. |
pkgsrc. Ensure that your packages are recent; the HOWTO does not |
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contemplate old builds. |
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For Xen 3.1, support for HVM guests is in sysutils/xentool3-hvm. More |
For Xen 3.1, support for HVM guests is in sysutils/xentool3-hvm. More |
recent versions have HVM support integrated in the main xentools |
recent versions have HVM support integrated in the main xentools |
Line 255 For debugging, one may copy xen-debug.gz
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Line 375 For debugging, one may copy xen-debug.gz
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to DIAGNOSTIC and DEBUG in NetBSD. xen-debug.gz is basically only |
to DIAGNOSTIC and DEBUG in NetBSD. xen-debug.gz is basically only |
useful with a serial console. Then, place a NetBSD XEN3_DOM0 kernel |
useful with a serial console. Then, place a NetBSD XEN3_DOM0 kernel |
in /, copied from releasedir/amd64/binary/kernel/netbsd-XEN3_DOM0.gz |
in /, copied from releasedir/amd64/binary/kernel/netbsd-XEN3_DOM0.gz |
of a NetBSD build. Both xen and NetBSD may be left compressed. (If |
of a NetBSD build. If using i386, use |
using i386, use releasedir/i386/binary/kernel/netbsd-XEN3PAE_DOM0.gz.) |
releasedir/i386/binary/kernel/netbsd-XEN3PAE_DOM0.gz. (If using Xen |
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3.1 and i386, you may use XEN3_DOM0 with the non-PAE Xen. But you |
With Xen as the kernel, you must provide a dom0 NetBSD kernel to be |
should not use Xen 3.1.) Both xen and the NetBSD kernel may be (and |
used as a module; place this in /. Suitable kernels are provided in |
typically are) left compressed. |
releasedir/binary/kernel: |
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In a dom0 kernel, kernfs is mandatory for xend to communicate with the |
i386 XEN3_DOM0 |
kernel, so ensure that /kern is in fstab. TODO: Say this is default, |
i386 XEN3PAE_DOM0 |
or file a PR and give a reference. |
amd64 XEN3_DOM0 |
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The first one is only for use with Xen 3.1 and i386-mode Xen (and you |
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should not do this). Current Xen always uses PAE on i386, but you |
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should generally use amd64 for the dom0. In a dom0 kernel, kernfs is |
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mandatory for xend to comunicate with the kernel, so ensure that /kern |
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is in fstab. TODO: Say this is default, or file a PR and give a |
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reference. |
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Because you already installed NetBSD, you have a working boot setup |
Because you already installed NetBSD, you have a working boot setup |
with an MBR bootblock, either bootxx_ffsv1 or bootxx_ffsv2 at the |
with an MBR bootblock, either bootxx_ffsv1 or bootxx_ffsv2 at the |
beginning of your root filesystem, /boot present, and likely |
beginning of your root file system, /boot present, and likely |
/boot.cfg. (If not, fix before continuing!) |
/boot.cfg. (If not, fix before continuing!) |
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See boot.cfg(5) for an example. The basic line is |
Add a line to to /boot.cfg to boot Xen. See boot.cfg(5) for an |
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example. The basic line is |
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menu=Xen:load /netbsd-XEN3_DOM0.gz console=pc;multiboot /xen.gz dom0_mem=256M |
menu=Xen:load /netbsd-XEN3_DOM0.gz console=pc;multiboot /xen.gz dom0_mem=256M |
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which specifies that the dom0 should have 256M, leaving the rest to be |
which specifies that the dom0 should have 256M, leaving the rest to be |
allocated for domUs. In an attempt to add performance, one can also |
allocated for domUs. To use a serial console, use |
add |
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menu=Xen:load /netbsd-XEN3_DOM0.gz console=com0;multiboot /xen.gz dom0_mem=256M console=com1 com1=9600,8n1 |
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which will use the first serial port for Xen (which counts starting |
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from 1), forcing speed/parity, and also for NetBSD (which counts |
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starting at 0). In an attempt to add performance, one can also add |
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dom0_max_vcpus=1 dom0_vcpus_pin |
dom0_max_vcpus=1 dom0_vcpus_pin |
|
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to force only one vcpu to be provided (since NetBSD dom0 can't use |
to force only one vcpu to be provided (since NetBSD dom0 can't use |
more) and to pin that vcpu to a physical cpu. TODO: benchmark this. |
more) and to pin that vcpu to a physical CPU. TODO: benchmark this. |
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Xen has [many boot |
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options](http://xenbits.xenproject.org/docs/4.5-testing/misc/xen-command-line.html), |
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and other than dom0 memory and max_vcpus, they are generally not |
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necessary. |
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As with non-Xen systems, you should have a line to boot /netbsd (a |
As with non-Xen systems, you should have a line to boot /netbsd (a |
kernel that works without Xen) and fallback versions of the non-Xen |
kernel that works without Xen). Consider a line to boot /netbsd.ok (a |
kernel, Xen, and the dom0 kernel. |
fallback version of the non-Xen kernel, updated manually when you are |
|
sure /netbsd is ok). Consider also a line to boot fallback versions |
|
of Xen and the dom0 kernel, but note that non-Xen NetBSD can be used |
|
to resolve Xen booting issues. |
|
|
|
Probably you want a default=N line to choose Xen in the absence of |
|
intervention. |
|
|
|
Now, reboot so that you are running a DOM0 kernel under Xen, rather |
|
than GENERIC without Xen. |
|
|
Using grub (historic) |
Using grub (historic) |
--------------------- |
--------------------- |
Line 313 Configuring Xen
|
Line 445 Configuring Xen
|
|
|
Xen logs will be in /var/log/xen. |
Xen logs will be in /var/log/xen. |
|
|
Now, you have a system that will boot Xen and the dom0 kernel, and |
Now, you have a system that will boot Xen and the dom0 kernel, but not |
just run the dom0 kernel. There will be no domUs, and none can be |
do anything else special. Make sure that you have rebooted into Xen. |
started because you still have to configure the dom0 tools. The |
There will be no domUs, and none can be started because you still have |
daemons which should be run vary with Xen version and with whether one |
to configure the dom0 daemons. |
is using xm or xl. Note that xend is for supporting "xm", and should |
|
only be used if you plan on using "xm". Do NOT enable xend if you |
The daemons which should be run vary with Xen version and with whether |
plan on using "xl" as it will cause problems. |
one is using xm or xl. The Xen 3.1, 3.3 and 4.1 packages use xm. Xen |
|
4.2 and up packages use xl. To use xm with 4.2, edit xendomains to |
|
use xm instead. |
|
|
The installation of NetBSD should already have created devices for xen |
For "xm", you should enable xend and xenbackendd: |
(xencons, xenevt), but if they are not present, create them: |
|
|
|
cd /dev && sh MAKEDEV xen |
|
|
|
TODO: Give 3.1 advice (or remove it from pkgsrc). |
|
|
|
For 3.3 (and thus xm), add to rc.conf (but note that you should have |
|
installed 4.1 or 4.2): |
|
|
|
xend=YES |
xend=YES |
xenbackendd=YES |
xenbackendd=YES |
|
|
For 4.1 (and thus xm; xl is believed not to work well), add to rc.conf: |
For "xl", you should enable xend and xencommons (xenstored). Trying |
|
to use xl without xencommons=YES will result in a hang; it is |
xencommons=YES |
necessary to hit ^C on the console to let the machine finish booting. |
xend=YES |
TODO: Check if xend really should be used, and if not why it is |
|
installed. |
(If you are using xentools41 from before 2014-12-26, change |
|
rc.d/xendomains to use xm rather than xl.) |
|
|
|
For 4.2 with xm, add to rc.conf |
|
|
|
xencommons=YES |
|
xend=YES |
xend=YES |
|
|
For 4.2 with xl (preferred), add to rc.conf: |
|
|
|
xencommons=YES |
xencommons=YES |
TODO: explain if there is a xend replacement |
|
|
|
TODO: Recommend for/against xen-watchdog. |
TODO: Recommend for/against xen-watchdog. |
|
|
After you have configured the daemons and either started them (in the |
After you have configured the daemons and either started them (in the |
order given) or rebooted, run the following (or use xl) to inspect |
order given) or rebooted, use xm or xl to inspect Xen's boot messages, |
Xen's boot messages, available resources, and running domains: |
available resources, and running domains. An example with xl follows: |
|
|
# xm dmesg |
# xl dmesg |
[xen's boot info] |
[xen's boot info] |
# xm info |
# xl info |
[available memory, etc.] |
[available memory, etc.] |
# xm list |
# xl list |
Name Id Mem(MB) CPU State Time(s) Console |
Name Id Mem(MB) CPU State Time(s) Console |
Domain-0 0 64 0 r---- 58.1 |
Domain-0 0 64 0 r---- 58.1 |
|
|
anita (for testing NetBSD) |
### Issues with xencommons |
-------------------------- |
|
|
xencommons starts xenstored, which stores data on behalf of dom0 and |
|
domUs. It does not currently work to stop and start xenstored. |
|
Certainly all domUs should be shutdown first, following the sort order |
|
of the rc.d scripts. However, the dom0 sets up state with xenstored, |
|
and is not notified when xenstored exits, leading to not recreating |
|
the state when the new xenstored starts. Until there's a mechanism to |
|
make this work, one should not expect to be able to restart xenstored |
|
(and thus xencommons). There is currently no reason to expect that |
|
this will get fixed any time soon. |
|
|
With the setup so far, one should be able to run anita (see |
### No-longer needed advice about devices |
pkgsrc/sysutils/py-anita) to test NetBSD releases, by doing (as root, |
|
because anita must create a domU): |
|
|
|
anita --vmm=xm test file:///usr/obj/i386/ |
The installation of NetBSD should already have created devices for xen |
|
(xencons, xenevt, xsd_kva), but if they are not present, create them: |
|
|
Alternatively, one can use --vmm=xl to use xl-based domU creation instead. |
cd /dev && sh MAKEDEV xen |
TODO: check this. |
|
|
anita (for testing NetBSD) |
|
-------------------------- |
|
|
|
With the setup so far (assuming 4.2/xl), one should be able to run |
|
anita (see pkgsrc/misc/py-anita) to test NetBSD releases, by doing (as |
|
root, because anita must create a domU): |
|
|
|
anita --vmm=xl test file:///usr/obj/i386/ |
|
|
|
Alternatively, one can use --vmm=xm to use xm-based domU creation |
|
instead (and must, on Xen <= 4.1). TODO: confirm that anita xl really works. |
|
|
Xen-specific NetBSD issues |
Xen-specific NetBSD issues |
-------------------------- |
-------------------------- |
|
|
There are (at least) two additional things different about NetBSD as a |
There are (at least) two additional things different about NetBSD as a |
dom0 kernel compared to hardware. |
dom0 kernel compared to hardware. |
|
|
One is that modules are not usable in DOM0 kernels, so one must |
One is that the module ABI is different because some of the #defines |
compile in what's needed. It's not really that modules cannot work, |
change, so one must build modules for Xen. As of netbsd-7, the build |
but that modules must be built for XEN3_DOM0 because some of the |
system does this automatically. TODO: check this. (Before building |
defines change and the normal module builds don't do this. Basically, |
Xen modules was added, it was awkward to use modules to the point |
enabling Xen changes the kernel ABI, and the module build system |
where it was considered that it did not work.) |
doesn't cope with this. |
|
|
|
The other difference is that XEN3_DOM0 does not have exactly the same |
The other difference is that XEN3_DOM0 does not have exactly the same |
options as GENERIC. While it is debatable whether or not this is a |
options as GENERIC. While it is debatable whether or not this is a |
Line 417 over time. Before these commands, it wa
|
Line 552 over time. Before these commands, it wa
|
4.1 and grub, much like the message linked earlier in the grub |
4.1 and grub, much like the message linked earlier in the grub |
section. |
section. |
|
|
# Install mbr bootblocks on both disks. |
# Install MBR bootblocks on both disks. |
fdisk -i /dev/rwd0d |
fdisk -i /dev/rwd0d |
fdisk -i /dev/rwd1d |
fdisk -i /dev/rwd1d |
# Install NetBSD primary boot loader (/ is FFSv1) into RAID1 components. |
# Install NetBSD primary boot loader (/ is FFSv1) into RAID1 components. |
Line 425 section.
|
Line 560 section.
|
installboot -v /dev/rwd1d /usr/mdec/bootxx_ffsv1 |
installboot -v /dev/rwd1d /usr/mdec/bootxx_ffsv1 |
# Install secondary boot loader |
# Install secondary boot loader |
cp -p /usr/mdec/boot / |
cp -p /usr/mdec/boot / |
# Create boog.cfg following earlier guidance: |
# Create boot.cfg following earlier guidance: |
menu=Xen:load /netbsd-XEN3PAE_DOM0.gz console=pc;multiboot /xen.gz dom0_mem=256M |
menu=Xen:load /netbsd-XEN3PAE_DOM0.gz console=pc;multiboot /xen.gz dom0_mem=256M |
menu=Xen.ok:load /netbsd-XEN3PAE_DOM0.ok.gz console=pc;multiboot /xen.ok.gz dom0_mem=256M |
menu=Xen.ok:load /netbsd-XEN3PAE_DOM0.ok.gz console=pc;multiboot /xen.ok.gz dom0_mem=256M |
menu=GENERIC:boot |
menu=GENERIC:boot |
Line 438 section.
|
Line 573 section.
|
|
|
TODO: actually do this and fix it if necessary. |
TODO: actually do this and fix it if necessary. |
|
|
Updating Xen versions |
Upgrading Xen versions |
--------------------- |
--------------------- |
|
|
Updating Xen is conceptually not difficult, but can run into all the |
Minor version upgrades are trivial. Just rebuild/replace the |
issues found when installing Xen. Assuming migration from 4.1 to 4.2, |
xenkernel version and copy the new xen.gz to / (where /boot.cfg |
remove the xenkernel41 and xentools41 packages and install the |
references it), and reboot. |
xenkernel42 and xentools42 packages. Copy the 4.2 xen.gz to /. |
|
|
Major version upgrades are conceptually not difficult, but can run |
Ensure that the contents of /etc/rc.d/xen* are correct. Enable the |
into all the issues found when installing Xen. Assuming migration |
correct set of daemons. Ensure that the domU config files are valid |
from 4.1 to 4.2, remove the xenkernel41 and xentools41 packages and |
for the new version. |
install the xenkernel42 and xentools42 packages. Copy the 4.2 xen.gz |
|
to /. |
|
|
|
Ensure that the contents of /etc/rc.d/xen* are correct. Specifically, |
|
they must match the package you just installed and not be left over |
|
from some previous installation. |
|
|
|
Enable the correct set of daemons; see the configuring section above. |
|
(Upgrading from 3.x to 4.x without doing this will result in a hang.) |
|
|
|
Ensure that the domU config files are valid for the new version. |
|
Specifically, for 4.x remove autorestart=True, and ensure that disks |
|
are specified with numbers as the second argument, as the examples |
|
above show, and not NetBSD device names. |
|
|
|
Hardware known to work |
|
---------------------- |
|
|
|
Arguably, this section is misplaced, and there should be a page of |
|
hardware that runs NetBSD/amd64 well, with the mostly-well-founded |
|
assumption that NetBSD/xen runs fine on any modern hardware that |
|
NetBSD/amd64 runs well on. Until then, we give motherboard/CPU (and |
|
sometimes RAM) pairs/triples to aid those choosing a motherboard. |
|
Note that Xen systems usually do not run X, so a listing here does not |
|
imply that X works at all. |
|
|
|
Supermicro X9SRL-F, Xeon E5-1650 v2, 96 GiB ECC |
|
Supermicro ??, Atom C2758 (8 core), 32 GiB ECC |
|
ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 AM3+ microATX, AMD Piledriver X8 4000MHz, 16 GiB ECC |
|
|
|
Older hardware: |
|
|
|
Intel D915GEV, Pentium4 CPU 3.40GHz, 4GB 533MHz Synchronous DDR2 |
|
INTEL DG33FB, "Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6850 @ 3.00GHz" |
|
INTEL DG33FB, "Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz" |
|
|
|
Running Xen under qemu |
|
---------------------- |
|
|
|
The astute reader will note that this section is somewhat twisted. |
|
However, it can be useful to run Xen under qemu either because the |
|
version of NetBSD as a dom0 does not run on the hardware in use, or to |
|
generate automated test cases involving Xen. |
|
|
|
In 2015-01, the following combination was reported to mostly work: |
|
|
|
host OS: NetBSD/amd64 6.1.4 |
|
qemu: 2.2.0 from pkgsrc |
|
Xen kernel: xenkernel42-4.2.5nb1 from pkgsrc |
|
dom0 kernel: NetBSD/amd64 6.1.5 |
|
Xen tools: xentools42-4.2.5 from pkgsrc |
|
|
|
See [PR 47720](http://gnats.netbsd.org/47720) for a problem with dom0 |
|
shutdown. |
|
|
Unprivileged domains (domU) |
Unprivileged domains (domU) |
=========================== |
=========================== |
Line 457 Unprivileged domains (domU)
|
Line 644 Unprivileged domains (domU)
|
This section describes general concepts about domUs. It does not |
This section describes general concepts about domUs. It does not |
address specific domU operating systems or how to install them. The |
address specific domU operating systems or how to install them. The |
config files for domUs are typically in /usr/pkg/etc/xen, and are |
config files for domUs are typically in /usr/pkg/etc/xen, and are |
typically named so that the file anme, domU name and the domU's host |
typically named so that the file name, domU name and the domU's host |
name match. |
name match. |
|
|
The domU is provided with cpu and memory by Xen, configured by the |
The domU is provided with CPU and memory by Xen, configured by the |
dom0. The domU is provided with disk and network by the dom0, |
dom0. The domU is provided with disk and network by the dom0, |
mediated by Xen, and configured in the dom0. |
mediated by Xen, and configured in the dom0. |
|
|
Line 497 domUs independently. The vif line cause
|
Line 684 domUs independently. The vif line cause
|
with a specific mac address (do not reuse MAC addresses!), in bridge |
with a specific mac address (do not reuse MAC addresses!), in bridge |
mode. Two disks are provided, and they are both writable; the bits |
mode. Two disks are provided, and they are both writable; the bits |
are stored in files and Xen attaches them to a vnd(4) device in the |
are stored in files and Xen attaches them to a vnd(4) device in the |
dom0 on domain creation. The system treates xbd0 as the boot device |
dom0 on domain creation. The system treats xbd0 as the boot device |
without needing explicit configuration. |
without needing explicit configuration. |
|
|
By default xm looks for domain config files in /usr/pkg/etc/xen. Note |
By default xm looks for domain config files in /usr/pkg/etc/xen. Note |
Line 511 domain, and see if it has finished stopp
|
Line 698 domain, and see if it has finished stopp
|
xm console foo |
xm console foo |
xm create -c foo |
xm create -c foo |
xm shutdown foo |
xm shutdown foo |
xm list |
xm list |
|
|
Typing ^] will exit the console session. Shutting down a domain is |
Typing ^] will exit the console session. Shutting down a domain is |
equivalent to pushing the power button; a NetBSD domU will receive a |
equivalent to pushing the power button; a NetBSD domU will receive a |
Line 523 domU kernels
|
Line 710 domU kernels
|
|
|
On a physical computer, the BIOS reads sector 0, and a chain of boot |
On a physical computer, the BIOS reads sector 0, and a chain of boot |
loaders finds and loads a kernel. Normally this comes from the root |
loaders finds and loads a kernel. Normally this comes from the root |
filesystem. With Xen domUs, the process is totally different. The |
file system. With Xen domUs, the process is totally different. The |
normal path is for the domU kernel to be a file in the dom0's |
normal path is for the domU kernel to be a file in the dom0's |
filesystem. At the request of the dom0, Xen loads that kernel into a |
file system. At the request of the dom0, Xen loads that kernel into a |
new domU instance and starts execution. While domU kernels can be |
new domU instance and starts execution. While domU kernels can be |
anyplace, reasonable places to store domU kernels on the dom0 are in / |
anyplace, reasonable places to store domU kernels on the dom0 are in / |
(so they are near the dom0 kernel), in /usr/pkg/etc/xen (near the |
(so they are near the dom0 kernel), in /usr/pkg/etc/xen (near the |
Line 540 CPU and memory
|
Line 727 CPU and memory
|
-------------- |
-------------- |
|
|
A domain is provided with some number of vcpus, less than the number |
A domain is provided with some number of vcpus, less than the number |
of cpus seen by the hypervisor. (For a dom0, this is controlled by |
of CPUs seen by the hypervisor. (For a dom0, this is controlled by |
the boot argument "dom0_max_vcpus=1".) For a domU, it is controlled |
the boot argument "dom0_max_vcpus=1".) For a domU, it is controlled |
from the config file by the "vcpus = N" directive. |
from the config file by the "vcpus = N" directive. |
|
|
Line 564 for the first virtual disk for the domU
|
Line 751 for the first virtual disk for the domU
|
the file serves two purposes. One is that preallocating the contents |
the file serves two purposes. One is that preallocating the contents |
improves performance. The other is that vnd on sparse files has |
improves performance. The other is that vnd on sparse files has |
failed to work. TODO: give working/notworking NetBSD versions for |
failed to work. TODO: give working/notworking NetBSD versions for |
sparse vnd. Note that the use of file/vnd for Xen is not really |
sparse vnd and gnats reference. Note that the use of file/vnd for Xen |
different than creating a file-backed virtual disk for some other |
is not really different than creating a file-backed virtual disk for |
purpose, except that xentools handles the vnconfig commands. To |
some other purpose, except that xentools handles the vnconfig |
create an empty 4G virtual disk, simply do |
commands. To create an empty 4G virtual disk, simply do |
|
|
dd if=/dev/zero of=foo-xbd0 bs=1m count=4096 |
dd if=/dev/zero of=foo-xbd0 bs=1m count=4096 |
|
|
|
Do not use qemu-img-xen, because this will create sparse file. There |
|
have been recent (2015) reports of sparse vnd(4) devices causing |
|
lockups, but there is apparently no PR. |
|
|
With the lvm style, one creates logical devices. They are then used |
With the lvm style, one creates logical devices. They are then used |
similarly to vnds. TODO: Add an example with lvm. |
similarly to vnds. TODO: Add an example with lvm. |
|
|
Line 597 guest, one can create /dev/hda1 in /dev,
|
Line 788 guest, one can create /dev/hda1 in /dev,
|
The third element is "w" for writable disks, and "r" for read-only |
The third element is "w" for writable disks, and "r" for read-only |
disks. |
disks. |
|
|
|
Note that NetBSD by default creates only vnd[0123]. If you need more |
|
than 4 total virtual disks at a time, run e.g. "./MAKEDEV vnd4" in the |
|
dom0. |
|
|
|
Note that NetBSD by default creates only xbd[0123]. If you need more |
|
virtual disks in a domU, run e.g. "./MAKEDEV xbd4" in the domU. |
|
|
Virtual Networking |
Virtual Networking |
------------------ |
------------------ |
|
|
Xen provides virtual ethernets, each of which connects the dom0 and a |
Xen provides virtual Ethernets, each of which connects the dom0 and a |
domU. For each virtual network, there is an interface "xvifN.M" in |
domU. For each virtual network, there is an interface "xvifN.M" in |
the dom0, and in domU index N, a matching interface xennetM (NetBSD |
the dom0, and in domU index N, a matching interface xennetM (NetBSD |
name). The interfaces behave as if there is an Ethernet with two |
name). The interfaces behave as if there is an Ethernet with two |
adaptors connected. From this primitive, one can construct various |
adapters connected. From this primitive, one can construct various |
configurations. We focus on two common and useful cases for which |
configurations. We focus on two common and useful cases for which |
there are existing scripts: bridging and NAT. |
there are existing scripts: bridging and NAT. |
|
|
Line 648 shutdown, in rc.conf add:
|
Line 846 shutdown, in rc.conf add:
|
|
|
xendomains="foo bar" |
xendomains="foo bar" |
|
|
TODO: Explain why 4.1 rc.d/xendomains has xl, when one should use xm |
Note that earlier versions of the xentools41 xendomains rc.d script |
on 4.1. Or fix the xentools41 package to have xm |
used xl, when one should use xm with 4.1. |
|
|
Creating specific unprivileged domains (domU) |
Creating specific unprivileged domains (domU) |
============================================= |
============================================= |
Line 665 Creating an unprivileged NetBSD domain (
|
Line 863 Creating an unprivileged NetBSD domain (
|
See the earlier config file, and adjust memory. Decide on how much |
See the earlier config file, and adjust memory. Decide on how much |
storage you will provide, and prepare it (file or lvm). |
storage you will provide, and prepare it (file or lvm). |
|
|
While the kernel will be obtained from the dom0 filesystem, the same |
While the kernel will be obtained from the dom0 file system, the same |
file should be present in the domU as /netbsd so that tools like |
file should be present in the domU as /netbsd so that tools like |
savecore(8) can work. (This is helpful but not necessary.) |
savecore(8) can work. (This is helpful but not necessary.) |
|
|
Line 674 i386 and amd64 provide the following ker
|
Line 872 i386 and amd64 provide the following ker
|
|
|
i386 XEN3_DOMU |
i386 XEN3_DOMU |
i386 XEN3PAE_DOMU |
i386 XEN3PAE_DOMU |
amd64 XEN3_DOMU |
amd64 XEN3_DOMU |
|
|
Unless using Xen 3.1 (and you shouldn't) with i386-mode Xen, you must |
Unless using Xen 3.1 (and you shouldn't) with i386-mode Xen, you must |
use the PAE version of the i386 kernel. |
use the PAE version of the i386 kernel. |
Line 727 It is also desirable to add
|
Line 925 It is also desirable to add
|
in rc.conf. This way, the domain will be properly shut down if |
in rc.conf. This way, the domain will be properly shut down if |
`xm shutdown -R` or `xm shutdown -H` is used on the dom0. |
`xm shutdown -R` or `xm shutdown -H` is used on the dom0. |
|
|
Your domain should be now ready to work, enjoy. |
It is not strictly necessary to have a kernel (as /netbsd) in the domU |
|
file system. However, various programs (e.g. netstat) will use that |
|
kernel to look up symbols to read from kernel virtual memory. If |
|
/netbsd is not the running kernel, those lookups will fail. (This is |
|
not really a Xen-specific issue, but because the domU kernel is |
|
obtained from the dom0, it is far more likely to be out of sync or |
|
missing with Xen.) |
|
|
Creating an unprivileged Linux domain (domU) |
Creating an unprivileged Linux domain (domU) |
-------------------------------------------- |
-------------------------------------------- |
Line 761 Then copy the files from a working Linux
|
Line 965 Then copy the files from a working Linux
|
`/etc` (fstab, network config). It should also be possible to extract |
`/etc` (fstab, network config). It should also be possible to extract |
binary packages such as .rpm or .deb directly to the mounted partition |
binary packages such as .rpm or .deb directly to the mounted partition |
using the appropriate tool, possibly running under NetBSD's Linux |
using the appropriate tool, possibly running under NetBSD's Linux |
emulation. Once the filesystem has been populated, umount it. If |
emulation. Once the file system has been populated, umount it. If |
desirable, the filesystem can be converted to ext3 using tune2fs -j. |
desirable, the file system can be converted to ext3 using tune2fs -j. |
It should now be possible to boot the Linux guest domain, using one of |
It should now be possible to boot the Linux guest domain, using one of |
the vmlinuz-\*-xenU kernels available in the Xen binary distribution. |
the vmlinuz-\*-xenU kernels available in the Xen binary distribution. |
|
|
To get the linux console right, you need to add: |
To get the Linux console right, you need to add: |
|
|
extra = "xencons=tty1" |
extra = "xencons=tty1" |
|
|
to your configuration since not all linux distributions auto-attach a |
to your configuration since not all Linux distributions auto-attach a |
tty to the xen console. |
tty to the xen console. |
|
|
Creating an unprivileged Solaris domain (domU) |
Creating an unprivileged Solaris domain (domU) |
Line 814 the domU's config file, with the format
|
Line 1018 the domU's config file, with the format
|
pci = [ '0000:00:06.0', '0000:00:0a.0' ] |
pci = [ '0000:00:06.0', '0000:00:0a.0' ] |
|
|
In the domU an "xpci" device will show up, to which one or more pci |
In the domU an "xpci" device will show up, to which one or more pci |
busses will attach. Then the PCI drivers will attach to PCI busses as |
buses will attach. Then the PCI drivers will attach to PCI buses as |
usual. Note that the default NetBSD DOMU kernels do not have "xpci" |
usual. Note that the default NetBSD DOMU kernels do not have "xpci" |
or any PCI drivers built in by default; you have to build your own |
or any PCI drivers built in by default; you have to build your own |
kernel to use PCI devices in a domU. Here's a kernel config example; |
kernel to use PCI devices in a domU. Here's a kernel config example; |
Line 822 note that only the "xpci" lines are unus
|
Line 1026 note that only the "xpci" lines are unus
|
|
|
include "arch/i386/conf/XEN3_DOMU" |
include "arch/i386/conf/XEN3_DOMU" |
|
|
# Add support for PCI busses to the XEN3_DOMU kernel |
# Add support for PCI buses to the XEN3_DOMU kernel |
xpci* at xenbus ? |
xpci* at xenbus ? |
pci* at xpci ? |
pci* at xpci ? |
|
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Line 856 NetBSD as a domU in a VPS
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Line 1060 NetBSD as a domU in a VPS
|
The bulk of the HOWTO is about using NetBSD as a dom0 on your own |
The bulk of the HOWTO is about using NetBSD as a dom0 on your own |
hardware. This section explains how to deal with Xen in a domU as a |
hardware. This section explains how to deal with Xen in a domU as a |
virtual private server where you do not control or have access to the |
virtual private server where you do not control or have access to the |
dom0. |
dom0. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of VPS providers; |
|
only a few are mentioned that specifically support NetBSD. |
|
|
VPS operators provide varying degrees of access and mechanisms for |
VPS operators provide varying degrees of access and mechanisms for |
configuration. The big issue is usually how one controls which kernel |
configuration. The big issue is usually how one controls which kernel |
is booted, because the kernel is nominally in the dom0 filesystem (to |
is booted, because the kernel is nominally in the dom0 file system (to |
which VPS users do not normally have acesss). |
which VPS users do not normally have access). A second issue is how |
|
to install NetBSD. |
A VPS user may want to compile a kernel for security updates, to run |
A VPS user may want to compile a kernel for security updates, to run |
npf, run IPsec, or any other reason why someone would want to change |
npf, run IPsec, or any other reason why someone would want to change |
their kernel. |
their kernel. |
|
|
One approach is to have an adminstrative interface to upload a kernel, |
One approach is to have an administrative interface to upload a kernel, |
or to select from a prepopulated list. Other approaches are py-grub |
or to select from a prepopulated list. Other approaches are pygrub |
(deprecated) and pvgrub, which are ways to have a bootloader obtain a |
(deprecated) and pvgrub, which are ways to have a bootloader obtain a |
kernel from the domU filesystem. This is closer to a regular physical |
kernel from the domU file system. This is closer to a regular physical |
computer, where someone who controls a machine can replace the kernel. |
computer, where someone who controls a machine can replace the kernel. |
|
|
py-grub |
A second issue is multiple CPUs. With NetBSD 6, domUs support |
|
multiple vcpus, and it is typical for VPS providers to enable multiple |
|
CPUs for NetBSD domUs. |
|
|
|
pygrub |
------- |
------- |
|
|
py-grub runs in the dom0 and looks into the domU filesystem. This |
pygrub runs in the dom0 and looks into the domU file system. This |
implies that the domU must have a kernel in a filesystem in a format |
implies that the domU must have a kernel in a file system in a format |
known to py-grub. As of 2014, py-grub seems to be of mostly historical interest. |
known to pygrub. As of 2014, pygrub seems to be of mostly historical |
|
interest. |
|
|
pvgrub |
pvgrub |
------ |
------ |
|
|
pvgrub is a version of grub that uses PV operations instead of BIOS |
pvgrub is a version of grub that uses PV operations instead of BIOS |
calls. It is booted from the dom0 as the domU kernel, and then reads |
calls. It is booted from the dom0 as the domU kernel, and then reads |
/grub/menu.lst and loads a kernel from the domU filesystem. |
/grub/menu.lst and loads a kernel from the domU file system. |
|
|
[prgmr.com](http://prgmr.com/) uses this approach to let users choose |
[Panix](http://www.panix.com/) lets users use pvgrub. Panix reports |
their own operating system and kernel. See then [prgmr.com NetBSD |
that pvgrub works with FFsv2 with 16K/2K and 32K/4K block/frag sizes |
HOWTO](http://wiki.prgmr.com/mediawiki/index.php/NetBSD_as_a_DomU). |
(and hence with defaults from "newfs -O 2"). See [Panix's pvgrub |
|
page](http://www.panix.com/v-colo/grub.html), which describes only |
Typically one has an ext2 or FAT partition for the kernel, so that |
Linux but should be updated to cover NetBSD :-). |
grub can understand it, which leads to /netbsd not being the actual |
|
kernel. One must remember to update the special boot partiion. |
[prgmr.com](http://prgmr.com/) also lets users with pvgrub to boot |
|
their own kernel. See then [prgmr.com NetBSD |
|
HOWTO](http://wiki.prgmr.com/mediawiki/index.php/NetBSD_as_a_DomU) |
|
(which is in need of updating). |
|
|
|
It appears that [grub's FFS |
|
code](http://xenbits.xensource.com/hg/xen-unstable.hg/file/bca284f67702/tools/libfsimage/ufs/fsys_ufs.c) |
|
does not support all aspects of modern FFS, but there are also reports |
|
that FFSv2 works fine. At prgmr, typically one has an ext2 or FAT |
|
partition for the kernel with the intent that grub can understand it, |
|
which leads to /netbsd not being the actual kernel. One must remember |
|
to update the special boot partition. |
|
|
Amazon |
Amazon |
------ |
------ |
|
|
TODO: add link to NetBSD amazon howto. |
See the [Amazon EC2 page](../amazon_ec2/). |
|
|
Using npf |
Using npf |
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
In standard kernels, npf is a module, and thus cannot be loadeed in a |
In standard kernels, npf is a module, and thus cannot be loaded in a |
DOMU kernel. |
DOMU kernel. |
|
|
TODO: explain how to compile npf into a custom kernel, answering (but |
TODO: Explain how to compile npf into a custom kernel, answering (but |
note that the problem was caused by not booting the right kernel): |
note that the problem was caused by not booting the right kernel) |
http://mail-index.netbsd.org/netbsd-users/2014/12/26/msg015576.html |
[this email to |
|
netbsd-users](http://mail-index.netbsd.org/netbsd-users/2014/12/26/msg015576.html). |
|
|
|
TODO items for improving NetBSD/xen |
|
=================================== |
|
|
|
* Make the NetBSD dom0 kernel work with SMP. |
|
* Test the Xen 4.5 packages adequately to be able to recommend them as |
|
the standard approach. |
|
* Get PCI passthrough working on Xen 4.5 |
|
* Get pvgrub into pkgsrc, either via xentools or separately. |
|
* grub |
|
* Check/add support to pkgsrc grub2 for UFS2 and arbitrary |
|
fragsize/blocksize (UFS2 support may be present; the point is to |
|
make it so that with any UFS1/UFS2 file system setup that works |
|
with NetBSD grub will also work). |
|
See [pkg/40258](http://gnats.netbsd.org/40258). |
|
* Push patches upstream. |
|
* Get UFS2 patches into pvgrub. |
|
* Add support for PV ops to a version of /boot, and make it usable as |
|
a kernel in Xen, similar to pvgrub. |
|
* Solve somehow the issue with modules for GENERIC not being loadable |
|
in a Xen dom0 or domU kernel. |
|
|
|
Random pointers |
|
=============== |
|
|
|
This section contains links from elsewhere not yet integrated into the |
|
HOWTO, and other guides. |
|
|
|
* http://www.lumbercartel.ca/library/xen/ |
|
* http://pbraun.nethence.com/doc/sysutils/xen_netbsd_dom0.html |
|
* https://gmplib.org/~tege/xen.html |