Introduction HV
Server virtualization is a popular trend in the IT industry, particularly among enterprise-level organizations. By allowing multiple operating systems to run separate applications on a single server, virtualization enables efficient use of physical resources. With virtual machines, system and network administrators can easily dedicate a machine to each service, resulting in fewer physical servers required and quicker troubleshooting when issues arise.
This article will delve into the critical role played by hypervisors in the server virtualization process. You'll learn about what hypervisors are, how they function, and the various types available.
What are Hypervisors ?
Virtualization is made possible by a critical component called a hypervisor. This software creates a virtualization layer that effectively separates the physical hardware components, such as processors, RAM, and storage, from the virtual machines and the operating systems they run.
The machine hosting a hypervisor is known as the host machine, while the virtual instances running on top of the hypervisor are referred to as guest virtual machines.
Hypervisors provide guest machines with emulated resources that allow them to function as if they were running on physical hardware. This means that regardless of the operating system running on a virtual machine, it will have access to the necessary physical resources it requires.
Why Use a Hypervisor ?
Virtual machines operate in the same way regardless of whether they are in a physical or virtual environment. From a VM's perspective, it is unable to differentiate between the two environments, and it is unaware of whether it is sharing computing power with other VMs.
This streamlined virtualization experience is one of the primary advantages of hypervisors and makes them an essential tool for businesses seeking to optimize their computing resources.