What is virtualization? What is a hypervisor? Explain how hypervisor is used to enable virtualization. list references apa format
Virtualization is a technology that allows multiple operating systems, applications, or virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server or computer. It enables greater efficiency, flexibility, and hardware utilization by creating virtual instances of resources such as storage, networks, and operating systems.
A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor, is a key component of virtualization that acts as a layer of software that enables multiple operating systems to share a single physical server. The hypervisor creates and manages the VMs, allocating resources such as CPU, memory, and storage to each VM. There are two types of hypervisors: Type 1, which runs directly on the physical hardware, and Type 2, which runs on top of an existing operating system.
Hypervisors use different virtualization techniques such as full virtualization, paravirtualization, and hardware-assisted virtualization to enable virtualization. Full virtualization involves simulating the hardware environment for each VM, while paravirtualization requires modifying the guest operating system to make it aware of the virtualization layer. Hardware-assisted virtualization relies on CPU features such as Intel VT or AMD-V to improve performance and efficiency.
Overall, hypervisors play a crucial role in enabling virtualization by isolating and managing multiple VMs on a single physical server, allowing for better resource utilization and increased flexibility in IT environments.
References:
Smith, J. E. (2012). Implementing the virtual machine model. In Virtual Machines: Versatile Platforms for Systems and Processes (pp. 71-94). Morgan Kaufmann.
Turner, P. (2016). Essential virtual SAN (VSAN): Administrator’s Guide to VMware Virtual SAN. Apress.