Virtual machine queue
VMQ stands for Virtual Machine Queue and is available for Hyper-V- based servers that have VMQ-capable network hardware ( network card ). Hyper-V is a program from Microsoft that allows several operating systems to be run on a single computer, see ( Virtual Server ). That means nothing else than that several servers can be operated on one piece of hardware. Usually each of these virtual servers has its own IP address but not its own network card. When a network data packet arrives at the network card, a program ensures that this packet is forwarded to the correct virtual server. This process is called routing, and the software involved is called a router . However, this process is time-consuming and computationally intensive.
With VMQ, network packets from an external network are cached by the network adapter in a separate memory area on the network card. Each of the virtual servers has its own memory area, a so-called dedicated queue . In such an operating system queues can be accessed directly, see ( direct memory access ) english Direct Memory Access . Intermediate storage is necessary because the network card is shared by several virtual servers and the computing power of the hardware is distributed over several virtual servers. Each of these server operating systems is assigned its own queue and is configured to its own memory area. The network driver of an operating system can then fetch the data intended for it directly from the queue of the network card. There is no need for a distribution, i.e. routing, process and the overall system works more effectively.
The VMQ technology was developed in 2010 by Daniel Baumberger from the processor manufacturer Intel and is patented. The disadvantage of the technology is the configuration effort, which is prone to failure. An incorrect configuration can lead to network failures, which is why the technology is deactivated by many server operators.
VMQ should only be used if the server has particularly fast network cards (10 gigabyte network) and video applications, for example, run on the virtual servers.
Individual evidence
- ↑ FAQs about VMDq, VLAN, teaming on Intel Ethernet adapters in Hyper-V
- ↑ Loss of network connectivity when using Broadcom NetXtreme 1 Gigabit network adapters in virtual machines
- ↑ Andrew James Warren, Implementing Network Infrastructure with Windows Server 2016