Types of Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Types of Virtualization in Cloud Computing :-

Virtualization in cloud computing allows you to run multiple applications and operating systems on the same server, thereby providing for efficient resource utilization and reducing costs.

Virtualization can take many forms depending on the type of application use and hardware utilization. The main types are listed below:

Hardware Virtualization

Hardware virtualization also known as hardware-assisted virtualization or server virtualization runs on the concept that an individual independent segment of hardware or a physical server, may be made up of multiple smaller hardware segments or servers, essentially consolidating multiple physical servers into virtual servers that run on a single primary physical server. Each small server can host a virtual machine, but the entire cluster of servers is treated as a single device by any process requesting the hardware. The hardware resource allotment is done by the hypervisor. The main advantages include increased processing power as a result of maximized hardware utilization and application uptime.

Subtypes:

• Full Virtualization – Guest software does not require any modifications since the underlying hardware is fully simulated.
• Emulation Virtualization – The virtual machine simulates the hardware and becomes independent of it. The guest operating system does not require any modifications.
• Paravirtualization – the hardware is not simulated and the guest software run their own isolated domains.

IN A NUT-SHELL:-

When the virtual machine software or virtual machine manager (VMM) is directly installed on the hardware system is known as hardware virtualization.

The main job of hypervisor is to control and monitoring the processor, memory and other hardware resources.

After virtualization of hardware system we can install different operating system on it and run different applications on those OS.

Usage:

Hardware virtualization is mainly done for the server platforms, because controlling virtual machines is much easier than controlling a physical server.

Software Virtualization

Software Virtualization involves the creation of an operation of multiple virtual environments on the host machine. It creates a computer system complete with hardware that lets the guest operating system to run. For example, it lets you run Android OS on a host machine natively using a Microsoft Windows OS, utilizing the same hardware as the host machine does.

Subtypes:

• Operating System Virtualization – hosting multiple OS on the native OS.When the virtual machine software or virtual machine manager. (VMM) is installed on the Host operating system instead of directly on the hardware system is known as operating system virtualization.
  Usage:
  Operating System Virtualization is mainly used for testing the applications on different platforms of OS.
• Application Virtualization – hosting individual applications in a virtual environment separate from the native OS
• Service Virtualization – hosting specific processes and services related to a particular application

Memory Virtualization

Physical memory across different servers is aggregated into a single virtualized memory pool. It provides the benefit of an enlarged contiguous working memory. You may already be familiar with this, as some OS such as Microsoft Windows OS allows a portion of your storage disk to serve as an extension of your RAM.

Subtypes:

• Application-level control – Applications access the memory pool directly
• Operating system level control – Access to the memory pool is provided through an operating system

Storage Virtualization

Multiple physical storage devices are grouped together, which then appear as a single storage device. This provides various advantages such as homogenization of storage across storage devices of multiple capacity and speeds, reduced downtime, load balancing and better optimization of performance and speed. Partitioning your hard drive into multiple partitions is an example of this virtualization.

Storage virtualization is the process of grouping the physical storage from multiple network storage devices so that it looks like a single storage device.

Storage virtualization is also implemented by using software applications.

Subtypes:

• Block Virtualization – Multiple storage devices are consolidated into one
• File Virtualization – Storage system grants access to files that are stored over multiple hosts

Data Virtualization

It lets you easily manipulate data, as the data is presented as an abstract layer completely independent of data structure and database systems. Decreases data input and formatting errors.

Network Virtualization

In network virtualization, multiple sub-networks can be created on the same physical network, which may or may not is authorized to communicate with each other. This enables restriction of file movement across networks and enhances security, and allows better monitoring and identification of data usage which lets the network administrator’s scale up the network appropriately. It also increases reliability as a disruption in one network doesn’t affect other networks, and the diagnosis is easier.

Subtypes:

• Internal network: Enables a single system to function like a network
• External network: Consolidation of multiple networks into a single one, or segregation of a single network into multiple ones

Desktop Virtualization (IMPORTANT TO KNOW)

This is perhaps the most common form of virtualization for any regular IT employee. The user’s desktop is stored on a remote server, allowing the user to access his desktop from any device or location. Employees can work conveniently from the comfort of their home. Since the data transfer takes place over secure protocols, any risk of data theft is minimized.

===>Which Technology to use? 

Virtualization is possible through a wide range of Technologies which are available to use and are also OpenSource. We prefer using XEN or KVM since they provide the best virtualization experience and performance.

• XEN
• KVM
• OpenVZ

We will discuss XEN and KVM in another blog :)

Thanks !!!!

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