A single physical server can run several separate systems. We explain how to build an XCP-ng environment on a Dell server and what to consider when setting up the platform, virtual machines and backups.
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Why virtualise?
A business often needs to handle several server tasks: running business applications, storing files, serving a database or providing a test environment. These do not necessarily require a separate physical machine each.
At BitNext, we also use XCP-ng to build virtualisation environments. It allows several separate virtual machines to run on a suitably sized physical server. Each has its own operating system, memory, virtual disk and network connection.
The installation process below describes a sample environment based on a Dell PowerEdge server. The exact hardware and storage configuration must always be tailored to the services it will run.
1. Preparing the server
Work begins with a hardware check. We examine the processor, memory, network cards, disks and storage controller. XCP-ng compatibility depends on the specific components; the Dell model name alone is not enough.
Hardware virtualisation must be enabled in the firmware settings. We also check the BIOS, iDRAC and storage controller firmware versions.
At this stage, we decide which disk will hold the virtualisation system and where the virtual machine disks will be stored. The contents of the installation target drive may be erased, so any existing data needs a verified backup first.
XCP-ng should be installed on a durable SSD. The installer can boot from a USB device, but running the system continuously from a USB drive or SD card is not recommended.
2. Installing XCP-ng
After downloading and verifying the official installation image, we boot the server from it. In a Dell environment, remote virtual media can also be used with suitable iDRAC access and permissions.
During installation, we:
- Select the target disk for the system.
- Set the administrator password.
- Choose the network interface for management.
- Enter the planned IP address, gateway, DNS settings and hostname.
- Configure time synchronisation.
- Complete the installation and restart the server.
The management interface should be on a private, protected network. For remote administration, we use a VPN or another appropriately secured connection.
3. Central management and networks
XCP-ng is the virtualisation layer running on the physical server. Xen Orchestra can be used to view and manage the virtual machines.
After installation, we check for updates, verify network connections and review the storage allocated to virtual disks. We separate management traffic from service traffic; in more complex environments, VLANs can be used for this.
The network design determines which systems a virtual machine can reach and where it can accept connections from.
4. Creating the first virtual machines
For a new virtual machine, we select a template suitable for its operating system, then specify:
- The number of virtual processors.
- The memory allocation.
- The size and location of the virtual disk.
- The network to use.
- The operating system installation media.
After installing the guest operating system, we also install its guest tools and drivers.
For example, a business application, a database and a test system can each have their own virtual machine. They can be started, stopped and maintained separately while sharing the resources of the same physical server.
The physical machine's limits still apply when allocating resources: assigning more processors or memory does not create additional hardware capacity.
5. Backup and recovery
A running virtual machine does not yet constitute a complete operational environment. We need to define how often backups are taken, where they are stored, how long they are retained and how recovery will work.
A snapshot can be useful for recording a system's state before a change, but it does not replace a separately stored backup. Recovery must also be tested: what matters is whether the service can actually run again when needed.
Virtualising a single physical server does not, by itself, provide high availability. Continuing operation on another machine after a hardware failure requires multiple servers and properly designed storage, networking and recovery arrangements.
What does this mean for your business?
Virtualisation makes server roles clearer, makes it easier to create new environments and allows more flexible allocation of resources.
BitNext helps build the environment you need, from selecting the server and installing the platform to operating the virtual machines.
Planning a virtualisation environment on your Dell server? Tell us which applications you want to run, and we will help you plan the infrastructure.