Virtualization

Virtualization Overview

• Virtualization allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to operate on a single physical machine.

Virtual Machines

• Software computers that function like physical computers.

• Capable of running applications and operating systems.

• Exist as files on a physical computer, mimicking physical hardware behavior.

Hypervisor Functionality

• Hypervisors manage VMs and allocate resources.

• They can operate on underlying hardware to control VMs.

Types of Hypervisors

• Type 1 Hypervisor (Bare-Metal): Runs directly on hardware.

• Type 2 Hypervisor (Hosted): Runs on top of an existing operating system.

Host Operating System

• The primary OS that interacts with the physical hardware.

• Differentiates from the guest OS that runs on VMs.

• Supports container-based virtualization for application partitioning.

Guest Operating System

• OS installed on a VM, distinct from the host OS.

• Allows multiple OS installations on a single physical machine.

Virtual Desktops

• Preconfigured OS and application images.

• Desktop environments are separate from physical access devices.

• Users can access virtual desktops remotely.

Virtual Switches

• Networks VMs within a virtualized environment.

• Types of virtual switches include external, internal, and private virtual switches.

AWS EC2 Virtualization

• Architectural example showing customer segmentation and virtual interfaces managed by a hypervisor.

Benefits of Virtualization

• Cost Reduction: Lower capital and operating expenses.

• Downtime Minimization: Reduced service interruptions.

• Increased Productivity: Improved IT efficiency and responsiveness.

• Rapid Provisioning: Faster resource and application deployment.

• Business Continuity: Enhanced disaster recovery capabilities.

• Simplified Management: Easier data center management practices.

Example of Virtualization

• Display of Hyper-V Manager managing virtual machines and configurations.

Questions

• Contact: Dirk Burruss at dburruss@reynolds.edu