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What Is Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Virtualization in cloud computing allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server, enabling efficient resource utilization and cost savings. It involves creating isolated environments for different operating systems and applications, managed by a hypervisor that allocates resources and ensures security. While it offers benefits like scalability and flexibility, challenges include overhead, performance variability, and complexity in management.

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5 views6 pages

What Is Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Virtualization in cloud computing allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server, enabling efficient resource utilization and cost savings. It involves creating isolated environments for different operating systems and applications, managed by a hypervisor that allocates resources and ensures security. While it offers benefits like scalability and flexibility, challenges include overhead, performance variability, and complexity in management.

Uploaded by

swati.joshi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What Is Virtualization in Cloud Computing?

 Virtualization is like creating a copy of a computer thing, like a


server, storage box, network, or computer system.

 It’s as if you’re making copies of these things that can all work
on the same real computer.

 Now, to make Virtual Machines (VMs), we use virtualization in


cloud computing. A VM is like a clone of a computer that lives
on a real computer.

 It has its own special software, memory, storage, and internet


stuff, just like a real computer.

 It’s like having a bunch of cloned computers all hanging out on


a single real computer.

 Before virtualization became popular, each application or


operating system needed its own dedicated physical server.

 This meant that if a company wanted to run multiple things like


websites, databases, and email services, they had to buy and set
up many different physical servers.

 This process was very expensive and very time consuming.

Imagine a company that needs web, database, and email servers. In


the old days without virtualization, they had to buy three separate
physical servers.

This was a big investment; and managing all these servers was tough.

But with virtualization, things changed.

 Companies could run multiple applications and systems on just


one physical server.

 So (going back to our example) that same company could use


virtualization to run all three servers on a single machine.
 This saved them the cost of two servers and also made
managing everything much easier.

 Virtualization offers other benefits too (like being more flexible


& secure). With virtualization, companies can quickly create or
remove virtual machines.

What is CPU Virtualization in Cloud Computing?

 A single CPU can run numerous operating systems (OS) via


CPU virtualization in cloud computing.

 This is possible by creating virtual machines (VMs) that share


the physical resources of the CPU. Each Virtual Machine can’t
see or interact with each other’s data or processes.

CPU virtualization is very important in cloud computing. It enables


cloud providers to offer services like –

 Virtual private servers (VPSs)


 Cloud storage (EBS)
 Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure and Google Cloud)
Consider an example to understand CPU virtualization.

 Imagine we have a physical server with a single CPU.

 We want to run two different operating systems on this server,


Windows & Linux.

 So it can easily be done by creating two Virtual Machines


(VMs), one for Windows and one for Linux.

 The virtualization software will create a virtual CPU for each


VM.

 The virtualization software will create a virtual CPU for each


VM.

 The virtual CPUs will execute on the physical CPU but


separately.

 This means the Windows Virtual Machine cannot view or


communicate with the Linux VM, and vice versa.

 The virtualization software will also allocate memory and other


resources to each VM.

 This guarantees each VM has enough resources to execute.

 CPU virtualization is made difficult but necessary for cloud


computing.

How CPU Virtualization Works? in step by step process

Step 1: Creating Virtual Machines (VMs)


 Let’s take an example you have a powerful computer with a
CPU, memory, and other resources.
 To start CPU virtualization, you use special software called a
hypervisor. This is like the conductor of a virtual orchestra.
 The hypervisor creates virtual machines (VMs) – these are like
separate, isolated worlds within your computer.
 The “virtual” resources of each VM include CPU, memory, and
storage. It’s like having multiple mini-computers inside your
main computer.

Step 2: Allocating Resources

 The hypervisor carefully divides the real CPU’s processing


power among the VMs. It’s like giving each VM its own slice of
the CPU pie.
 It also makes sure that each Virtual memory (VM) gets its share
of memory, storage, and other resources.

Step 3: Isolation and Independence

Each VM operates in its own isolated environment. It can’t see or


interfere with what’s happening in other VMs.

Step 4: Running Operating Systems and Apps

 Within each Virtual Machine, you can install & run different
operating systems (like Windows, Linux) and applications.
 The VM thinks it’s a real computer, even though it’s sharing the
actual computer’s resources with other VMs.

Step 5: Managing Workloads

 The hypervisor acts as a smart manager, deciding when each


VM gets to use the real CPU.
 It ensures that no VM takes up all the CPU time, making sure
everyone gets their turn to work.
Step 6: Efficient Use of Resources

 Even though there’s only one physical CPU, each VM believes


it has its own dedicated CPU.
 The hypervisor cleverly switches between VMs so that all the
tasks appear to be happening simultaneously.

Advantages of CPU Virtualization in Cloud Computing

1) Efficient Resource Utilization


CPU virtualization lets one powerful machine handle multiple tasks
simultaneously. This maximizes the use of h/w resources and reduces
wastage.

2) Cost Savings
By running multiple virtual machines on a single physical server,
cloud providers save on hardware costs, energy consumption, and
maintenance.

3) Scalability
CPU virtualization allows easy scaling, adding or removing virtual
machines according to demand. This flexibility helps businesses adapt
to changing needs as per requirements.

4) Isolation and Security


Each Virtual Machine (VM) is isolated from others, providing a layer
of security. If one VM has a problem, it’s less likely to affect others.

5) Compatibility and Testing


Different operating systems (OS) & applications can run on the same
physical hardware (h/w), making it easier to test new software without
affecting existing setups.

Disadvantages of CPU Virtualization in Cloud Computing:

1) Overhead
The virtualization layer adds some overhead, which means a small
portion of CPU power is used to manage virtualization itself.
2) Performance Variability
Depending on the number of virtual machines and their demands,
performance can vary. If one VM needs a lot of resources, others
might experience slower performance.

3) Complexity
Handling multiple virtual machines and how they work together needs
expertise. Creating and looking after virtualization systems can be
complicated.

4) Compatibility Challenges
Some older software or hardware might not work well within
virtualized environments. Compatibility issues can arise.

5) Resource Sharing
While CPU virtualization optimizes resource usage, if one VM
suddenly requires a lot of resources, it might impact the performance
of others.

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