KVM Student Labs Project
The KVM Student Labs project transitioned Techlabs from VMware Workstation Pro to an open-source KVM virtualization stack using Ubuntu, QEMU, and Libvirt. The goal was to reduce licensing costs, improve performance, and streamline the infrastructure with domain-integrated authentication.
Hardware compatibility and integration with the Active Directory domain posed initial challenges. Constraints in virtualized test environments led to delays, prompting a shift in focus from deployment to feasibility testing. These limitations emphasized the importance of robust backup and documentation processes.
Despite technical setbacks, the project established a working foundation for domain-authenticated Linux virtualization, complete with Cockpit-based VM management. This solution demonstrated the viability of KVM as a scalable alternative for student lab environments.
Tools and Technologies
Ubuntu KVM
Libvirt
QEMU
Shell Scripting
Permissions
Active Directory
Key Learnings
Debugging
Collaboration & Testing
System Automation
Security Best Practices