Technology for virtualization
I. Virtualization Definition
Hardware is converted into software through
virtualization. It means that with a virtual server, just the firmware on the
various boards of a physical server is used. Therefore, virtualization
encompasses all hardware and/or software methods that let several operating
systems and/or applications operate independently on a single machine, just as
if they were running on different physical machines. Network and application
virtualization technologies are also included.
Consider three physical servers in the
following manner: one serves as a mail server, one as a web server, and one
runs current internal programs. Approximately a small portion of their
potential, or approximately 30% of their capacity, is being utilized. However,
you likely feel that you should preserve the current applications and the third
server that runs them because they are crucial to your internal operations.
II. The various operating system virtualization designs :
A type of IT design called virtualization
architecture distinguishes between logical and physical resources. It is a
crucial component of contemporary IT architecture, allowing businesses to
enhance productivity, cost savings, and agility.
Hardware virtualization can be divided into
four groups based on the technology used for implementation:
1. Operating system-level virtualization
At the kernel operating system layer,
operating system virtualization entails the creation of dematerialized servers.
To rationalize hardware, software, and other resources, this virtualization
technique creates isolated partitions, often referred to as virtual
environments, on a single physical server and on the same system instance.
Features:
+ One
system, one kernel
+ Partitioned user environment
+ Resource allocation between several
environments
2. Complete virtualization :
The guest operating system can function natively and without modification thanks to total or complete virtualization. The operation of the virtualized system kernel is unaffected by virtualization using this method.
On the other hand, full virtualization trades compatibility
for performance. In fact, when the guest system is not a part of the
virtualization process and must travel through one or more emulation layers in
order to access hardware resources, it is more difficult to achieve high performance.
Features:
Complete emulation of a physical computer; high-performance degradation; guest operating systems that believe they are on a physical machine; and emulation of specific architectures.
3. Virtualization with hardware support
By speeding up vital activities of the
virtualized platform, hardware-assisted virtualization technology increases the
flexibility and dependability of conventional software solutions. Faster
platform control transfer between the manager and the guest operating systems
is one advantage of this efficiency.
NB: On the hardware side, advancements in
processors with built-in virtualization capabilities have tended to close the
performance gap between para-virtualized systems and host systems.
Features :
+ Specialized instruction set
+ Process adaptation to virtualization
concerns
+ Adaption of protection rings
+ Emulation of physical hardware with minimal
performance loss.
4. paravirtualization :
The guest operating system kernel has been
altered to operate in virtual form for this iteration of virtualization. This
method aims to give host and guest systems nearly similar access to hardware
resources (memory and I/O). If this goal is accomplished, the virtualized
system's performance will be very near to that of the hardware it is running
on.
The change in the guest system kernel is the
key barrier to the development of this technology. This method cannot be used
if the system being virtualized lacks dedicated paravirtualization
functionality in its kernel; complete hardware emulation is the sole
virtualization option.
Features include:
+ Guest OS adaptation to the virtualization
layer
+ Hardware call changes
+ Guest OS awareness of virtualization
+ No host OS
+ Good performance.
1. Virtualization of servers:
In order to construct "virtual
machines," or separate software containers containing an operating system
and applications, server virtualization uses a thin software layer or
hypervisor.
A virtual machine, which is regarded as a
guest machine, is completely independent. As a result, multiple virtual
machines can run on a single physical "host" machine.
2. Virtualization of storage :
There are various forms of storage
virtualization. Along with disks and tapes, it also applies to blocks and
files. Logical volumes or even distinct media are used to conceal and display physical
storage. For instance, a disk can be created from a tape-based system.
Storage virtualization enables the pooling of
devices and the provisioning of capacity for users via logical drives. Advanced
technologies allow for the management of arrays as a single logical unit and
the provisioning of capacity from a single logical pool.
3. Virtualization of applications :
Application virtualization isolates specific
applications from the operating system as a whole. While the operating system
is still running on the client workstation, the user sees and interacts with an
image of the apps that are actually executing on a remote server.
4. Computer virtualization :
The logical next step after server
virtualization is desktop virtualization. Why not put workstations on servers
and view what's happening in a virtual machine using straightforward light
terminals given that servers are powerful, capable of running isolated
environments (Virtual Machines) from one another, and relatively easy to create
quickly?
The benefits are as follows:
No local work is done. Workstations are no
longer dependent on hardware (no more repairs, no more PC upgrades, no more
hardware updates, etc.), the load is divided across the servers (power is
guaranteed), and the danger of data leakage is better managed (no data is held
locally).
The terminal just connects to the network; on
its own, it is worthless and not very expensive. + Vandalism and theft can be
avoided. reduced power usage + no need to purchase or replace equipment.
Conclusion :
Modern IT infrastructure must include
virtualization architecture in order for businesses to achieve productivity,
cost savings, and agility. Organizations can lower hardware expenses and
increase the use of existing technology by virtualizing physical resources.
Additionally, they don't need to buy new gear in order to swiftly and easily
upgrade their infrastructure. Organizations may now scale up and down with the
flexibility and scalability they need to stay competitive in today's fast-paced
industry.