Manual:Virtualization
Applies to RadioOS: 3, v4
RadioOS has three different Virtualization implementations. Choose your topic:
Metarouter
Metarouter is created by CableFree and currently is supported only on CableFree device using mips-be processors powerpc processors. Currently Metarouter can only create RadioOS virtual machines.
We are planning to add more features to Metarouter, so that it will even exceed Xen in functionality. New hardware support will also be added to Metarouter
Xen
Xen is based on the Linux Xen Virtual machine project, and current RadioOS implementation is supported only on RadioOS X86 systems. Xen can create Virtual machines of different Operating Systems that supports Xen.
Kvm
Kvm is based on Linux Kvm virtualization software and requires your CPU to support virtualization. Kvm is available only on x86 systems.
Usage Examples
The following are just a few of possible scenarios where virtual machines could be used (some of these currently are possible only in Xen, but Metarouter features will be expanded to allow even more functionality):
In the datacenter
- consolidate a number of routers on one hardware platform
- consolidate routing services and higher levels services such a VOIP switches in the same box
- use a guest machine on top of a router for custom features such as accounting, LDAP or legacy networking
- redundant routers much easier and cheaper to have available in case of crashed systems
In the hosting center
- use RadioOS and extensive networking features as a host with a server (mail, http, ftp...) running as guest or multiple guest virtual machines
- offer virtual routers with VPN solutions that give a network administrator customer his own router on a highspeed backbone to make any kind of tunneled intranet or simply VPN access system
At the wireless ISP client site
- set up two isolated routers and set the wireless control only for the router controlled by the WISP while the Ethernet side router is fully under the clients control
At multiclient sites (such as office buildings)
- in locations serving multiple clients by Ethernet from one backbone connection (wired or wireless), give each customer control over his own isolated virtual router
For network planning and testing
- build a virtual network on one box with the same topography as a planned network and test the configurations so that the fine tuning of the configurations can be done in the lab and not in the field, simulate and monitor the network with advanced scripting and The Dude network monitor utility
In custom applications
- develop your own programs (and even Linux distributions) that can be installed on CableFree supported platforms with minimum difficulty as software patches and virtual drivers are provided for guest systems
- use low cost CableFree device embedded systems easily with your own Linux and the advantage that it will work across all CableFree deviceS with the same CPU