Dell NativeEdge: Virtual Machine Network Interface Reports 1 Gbps Despite Higher Expected Throughput
Summary: NativeEdge Endpoints use QEMU/LibVirt as their virtualization technology. A Virtual Machine (VM) on a NativeEdge Endpoint may show a network interface speed of 1 Gbps, but this is not the actual speed. ...
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Symptoms
When data is transferred between two VMs on the same Endpoint using a virtual network interface controller (VNIC), speeds can exceed 1 Gbps.
The operating system reports VNIC as 1 Gbps.
Cause
The NativeEdge VNIC does not have a fixed speed. It implements a network interface in software, achieving the fastest possible speed based on the network, CPU, memory load on the virtualization host, and the traffic.
Resolution
To evaluate the actual throughput of a VNIC:
- Use benchmarking tools like iperf or netperf between two VMs or a VM and an external host.
This method gives a more realistic view of the network bandwidth achievable under real workloads.
Additional Information
The VNIC types that NativeEdge uses are:
- Intel e1000 (Windows)
- virtio-net (*nix)
Affected Products
NativeEdge Solutions, NativeEdgeArticle Properties
Article Number: 000310698
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 22 Apr 2025
Version: 1
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