VMDirectPath allows guest operating systems to directly access an I/O device, bypassing the virtualization layer. This direct path, or passthrough can improve performance for VMware ESX systems that utilize high-speed I/O devices, such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet. A single VM can connect to up to two passthrough devices.
VMDirectPath I/O is experimentally supported for the following Storage and Network I/O devices:
VMware regularly adds support for new hardware. Check your hardware’s support at the VMware Hardware Compatibility Guide portal.
What are the advantages of using VMware VMDirectPath I/O?
VMDirectPath I/O can be used when your guest OS needs a greater performance from the I/O device. It also allows the use of I/O devices, which are not supported by the ESX server directly, to be linked to VM’s as the virtualization layer is bypassed.
What are the disadvantages of using VMware VMDirectPath I/O?
There are a couple of disadvantages in using VMDirectPath I/O on a VM. They are:
How is VMware VMDirectPath I/O configured on an ESX Host?
To configure VMDirectPath I/O on your ESX Host, follow the steps on the VMware guide: Configuring VMDirectPath I/O pass-through devices on an ESX host
Resources:
Another VMworld is upon us!!! Sadly, it's only virtual again this year. However, that does…
As part of my recent move to Google, I'm working on quickly getting up to…
I am delighted to announce the next chapter in my career. Today is my first…
In episode thirteen of The VCDX Podcast, I am joined by two special guests who…
In my recent ‘Getting started with Oracle Cloud VMware Solution (OVCS)’ post; Getting Started With…
In my recent ‘Getting started with Oracle Cloud VMware Solution (OVCS)’ post; Getting Started With…
View Comments
Uh, the part about two devices in two different content using the same PCI slot is wrong. Each channel on the PCI device is independent.