Proxmox VE 8.3 comes with revised network management

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Version 8.3 of the Proxmox Virtual Environment has been released. The software is based on Debian 12.8 "Bookworm" and comes with Linux kernel 6.8.12-4 as standard. Kernel 6.11 is also available on request. The QEMU base is now available in version 9.0.2, ZFS comes in version 2.2.6 and is equipped with compatibility patches for Linux 6.11. The container runtime environment LXC 6.0.0 has not been updated compared to Proxmox VE 8.2.

Open Virtualization import from the browser

Users can now import files in Open Virtualization format and from Open Virtualization Applications from file-based storage via the web interface. The new version automatically recognizes the boot sequence, guest operating system and network adapter. OVA files can also be uploaded from a local computer or downloaded from a URL. This revised guest import process complements the wizard implemented in version 8.2 for migrating virtual machines from other hypervisors, including VMware ESXi.

Version 8.3 backs up container files faster to Proxmox backup servers. Proxmox VE now ignores files that have not been edited since the previous backup. This function is optional and can be deactivated. In the background, the virtualization platform restores the metadata archive of the existing backup. Backups and their metadata are now stored in separate archives.

Closer integration of SDN stacks with the firewall

The network stacks defined in software are more closely integrated into the firewall in Proxmox VE 8.3. For example, managed IP sets for VNets and virtual guests can be generated automatically in the IP address management plugin. Users can refer to IP sets in the firewall rules and manage them in this way. In addition, the nftables-based firewall allows forwarded network traffic to be filtered at host and VNet level. Users must activate the function manually.

The developers have added a webhook notification target to Proxmox. It can be used to trigger HTTP requests for events such as backup jobs or system updates that can be processed by compatible services. The content of the notification header and body is customizable and can contain metadata.

Driver customization enables vGPU support from Nvidia

For Linux kernel 6.8, the new Proxmox version allows the pass-through of virtual graphics processors from Nvidia. The developers modified the vGPU driver for this purpose. The use of AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization is also possible for the first time. This allows users to encrypt the memory of guest systems. Functions such as live migration or snapshots with working memory could not previously be carried out securely.

The graphical interface now has a tag view for the resource tree. This allows users to display and manage their virtual machines grouped by keywords. The German translation has also been revised. As a tech preview, Proxmox VE 8.3 supports the Ceph storage system in the latest version Squid 19.2.0. Users can also use Ceph Reef 18.2.4 or Quincy 17.2.7 and select these during installation.

Proxmox VE 8.3 is available for download from the company's website. Installation without an existing system is possible using an ISO image. Alternatively, the virtualization platform can be installed on an existing Debian. Older Proxmox versions from 7.4 can be updated via apt. Enterprise customers receive access to the enterprise repository for 110 euros per year and CPU socket. Support is available for between 340 and 1,020 euros per year and socket.

All changes to Proxmox VE 8.3 can be found in the press release and the roadmap.

(sfe)