OS LAB ASSIGNMENT

VIRTUALISATION

DARSHNI B
21BLC1603

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a resource such as an operating

system, server, storage device, or network resource. It enables the consolidation of multiple
physical resources into virtual ones, thereby optimizing resource utilization, increasing
flexibility, and reducing costs.

Virtualization Types:

1. Server Virtualization: Involves partitioning a physical server into multiple virtual

servers, allowing each to run its own operating system and applications
independently.

2. Desktop Virtualization: Provides users with a virtual desktop environment hosted

on a centralized server, enabling access from various devices.

3. Network Virtualization: Abstracts network resources, enabling the creation of

virtual networks that are independent of the underlying physical network
infrastructure.

4. Storage Virtualization: Aggregates physical storage resources from multiple

network storage devices into a single virtual storage pool, which can be managed
centrally.

5. Application Virtualization: Separates applications from the underlying operating

system, allowing them to run in isolated environments, reducing compatibility issues
and conflicts.

6.Hardware Virtualization: Uses hardware-assisted virtualization features present in

modern CPUs to improve performance and efficiency.

7.Containerization: An alternative form of virtualization that involves encapsulating

applications and their dependencies into lightweight containers. Each container shares
the host operating system kernel but runs as an isolated process.
Containerization:

Containerization is an alternative approach to virtualization that focuses on

encapsulating applications and their dependencies into lightweight, portable
containers.

Application-Level Virtualization: Unlike traditional virtualization, where

entire operating systems are virtualized, containerization operates at the
application level. Each container contains everything needed to run a specific
application, including libraries, binaries, and configuration files.

Efficiency and Portability: Containers are lightweight and share the host
operating system kernel, resulting in faster startup times, reduced resource
overhead, and improved portability across different environments.

Isolation: While containers share the host kernel, they are isolated from each
other, providing a level of security and separation between applications.

Orchestration: Container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes facilitate the

deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications across a
cluster of machines.

Popular Container Runtimes: Docker and containerd are popular container

runtimes that provide tools for building, distributing, and running containers.

Microservices Architecture: Containerization is often used in conjunction with

microservices architecture, where applications are broken down into smaller,
independently deployable services running in containers.
Types of Hypervisors:

1. Type 1 Hypervisor (Bare Metal Hypervisor):

- Installed directly on the physical hardware.

- Manages the physical resources and provides virtualization services to guest operating
systems.

- Examples include VMware vSphere/ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Xen.

2. Type 2 Hypervisor (Hosted Hypervisor):

- Installed on top of a host operating system.

- Utilizes the host operating system's resources to manage virtual machines.

- Typically used for development, testing, or desktop virtualization.

- Examples include VMware Workstation, Oracle VirtualBox, and Parallels Desktop.

Type 1 hypervisors generally offer better performance and security compared to Type 2
hypervisors because they have direct access to physical hardware resources. However, Type 2
hypervisors are easier to set up and are suitable for scenarios where performance is not
critical. Choosing the right type of hypervisor depends on factors such as performance
requirements, management preferences, and b

udget constraints.

Considerations for Choosing a Hypervisor:

Performance: Evaluate the hypervisor's performance overhead and how it affects the
performance of virtualized workloads.

Management Tools: Consider the management tools provided by the hypervisor for tasks
such as provisioning, monitoring, and resource allocation.
High Availability: Look for features that ensure high availability, such as live migration and
fault tolerance, to minimize downtime.

Scalability: Assess the hypervisor's ability to scale with your organization's needs, both in
terms of the number of virtual machines supported and the size of the virtualized
infrastructure.

Security: Consider security features such as isolation between virtual machines, encryption of
data in transit and at rest, and compliance with security standards.

Vendor Support: Evaluate the level of support provided by the hypervisor vendor, including
updates, patches, and technical assistance.

Cost of Virtualization

The cost of virtualization can vary depending on several factors, including the type of
virtualization, the scale of deployment, hardware requirements, software licensing, and
ongoing maintenance and support. Here are some cost considerations:

1. Initial Setup Costs:

- Hardware: Depending on the scale of virtualization, you may need to invest in server
hardware capable of supporting virtualization. This can include servers with sufficient CPU,
memory, and storage resources.

- Hypervisor Licenses: Some hypervisors, especially enterprise-grade solutions, require

licensing fees. However, there are also open-source hypervisor options available that can
reduce or eliminate this cost.

- Networking Equipment: Virtualized environments may require additional networking

equipment, such as switches and routers, to support the increased traffic and network
segmentation.

2. Software Licenses:

- Operating Systems: Each virtual machine typically requires a separate operating system
license unless you're using open-source operating systems. This cost can add up, especially in
larger deployments.

- Virtualization Management Software: If you're using management tools or virtualization

platforms with advanced features, there may be associated licensing costs.
 - Application Licenses: Consider any additional software licenses required for applications
running within virtual machines.

3. Operational Costs:

- Maintenance and Support: Ongoing maintenance and support costs should be factored in,
including software updates, patches, and technical support agreements with vendors.

- Power and Cooling: Virtualized environments may require additional power and cooling
compared to traditional setups, particularly if you're consolidating multiple physical servers
into a smaller number of virtualized hosts.

- Staff Training: Training your IT staff on virtualization technologies and best practices may
entail additional costs.

4. Scalability:

- Scalability is a significant factor in cost considerations. Virtualization allows for more

efficient resource utilization and scalability compared to traditional physical infrastructure.
However, as your virtualized environment grows, there may be additional costs associated
with scaling hardware, software licenses, and support services.

5. ROI and TCO:

- Assessing the return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) of
virtualization is crucial. While there are upfront costs involved in deploying virtualization
infrastructure, the potential benefits in terms of improved resource utilization, reduced
hardware footprint, and increased agility can lead to long-term cost savings.

Overall, while there are costs associated with virtualization, the potential benefits in terms of
improved efficiency, flexibility, and scalability often outweigh the initial investment,
particularly for organizations with dynamic IT requirements. Proper planning and evaluation
of costs and benefits are essential for making informed decisions about virtualization
investments.