Server virtualization is the process of creating multiple virtual servers on a single physical server. This is done using a software layer called a hypervisor. The hypervisor creates a virtual machine (VM) for each virtual server. Each VM has its own operating system and applications, and it is isolated from the other VMs on the physical server.
There are two main types of server virtualization:
- Full virtualization: In full virtualization, the hypervisor creates a complete virtual environment for each VM. This includes the CPU, memory, storage, and networking resources that the VM needs.
- Para-virtualization: In para-virtualization, the hypervisor modifies the guest operating system (OS) to run more efficiently on the virtualized platform. This can improve the performance of para-virtualized VMs.
Benefits of server virtualization
Server virtualization offers a number of benefits, including:
- Improved resource utilization: Server virtualization allows businesses to get more out of their existing hardware resources by running multiple VMs on a single physical server. This can help businesses to save money on IT costs.
- Increased agility: Server virtualization makes it easier to create, deploy, and manage new servers. This can help businesses to be more agile and responsive to changing market conditions.
- Improved disaster recovery: Server virtualization can help businesses to improve their disaster recovery capabilities by making it easier to back up and restore VMs.
- Reduced energy consumption: Server virtualization can help businesses to reduce their energy consumption by consolidating multiple servers onto fewer physical servers.
MCQs on Virtualization of Servers
- Which of the following is NOT a benefit of server virtualization?
- Improved resource utilization
- Increased agility
- Improved disaster recovery
- Reduced energy consumption
- Increased hardware costs
- What is the difference between full virtualization and para-virtualization?
- In full virtualization, the hypervisor creates a complete virtual environment for each VM, while in para-virtualization, the hypervisor modifies the guest operating system (OS) to run more efficiently on the virtualized platform.
- Full virtualization is more performant than para-virtualization.
- Full virtualization is more complex to set up and manage than para-virtualization.
- All of the above.
- What is a hypervisor?
- A software layer that creates and manages virtual machines.
- A physical server that hosts virtual machines.
- A virtual machine that runs on a physical server.
- None of the above.
Answers
- Increased hardware costs
- All of the above
- A software layer that creates and manages virtual machines.
Additional notes
Server virtualization is a powerful technology that can help businesses to improve their efficiency, agility, and disaster recovery capabilities. However, it is important to carefully consider the needs of your business before implementing server virtualization.