Install libvirt

Install libvirt:

sudo apt-get install libvirt-daemon-system bridge-utils

This should install a number of packages as dependencies, including qemu-kvm.

Now logout and log back in again as the "nsrc" user. Check that you are in the "libvirt" group using the id command:

nsrc@brian-kit:~$ id
uid=1000(nsrc) gid=1000(nsrc) groups=1000(nsrc), ... 118(libvirt)

(the actual number may be different). If not, then add yourself to this group:

sudo usermod -a -G libvirt nsrc

Logout and login again, and check with id again.

Disable KVM halt polling

Edit or create /etc/modprobe.d/qemu-system-x86.conf and add the following line:

options kvm halt_poll_ns=0

This disables a KVM optimisation which seriously affects CSR1000v performance, although it doesn't appear to make a noticeable difference on IOSv / IOSvL2.

Test KVM

Check that your system supports KVM (hardware-accelerated virtualization):

sudo kvm-ok

If the result says that your CPU does not support KVM extensions, then you need to investigate the problem. Check your BIOS settings, and ensure that "VT-x" (Intel) or "AMD-V" is enabled.