Server Virtualization
What is Server Virtualization?

Server virtualization abstracts server software from hardware on a guest/host basis, enabling multiple virtual servers to run on a physical device. It is the basis for cloud computing and hybrid cloud.

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  • How does server virtualization work?
  • Server virtualization benefits
  • Server virtualization disadvantages
  • What are the types of server virtualization?
  • What are the HPE server virtualization solutions to enhance efficiency and agility?
How does server virtualization work?

How does server virtualization work?

Server virtualization lets different operating systems and applications operate on one physical server. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:

  • Hypervisor: The hypervisor is the software layer that powers server virtualization. It separates the server's hardware from its virtual computers and assigns server cores, memory, storage, and networking to virtual machines.
  • Virtual Machines (VMs): Virtual machines are software simulations of actual computers. The operating system and applications operate separately on the same physical server as the other VMs. Each VM uses the hypervisor's virtualized hardware resources like a physical server.
  • Resource allocation: The hypervisor dynamically distributes physical resources to each VM. In case one VM needs more CPU and another needs more RAM, the hypervisor can adjust the resource allocation.
  • Isolation: The virtual machines are segregated, so if one crashes or faces troubles, it doesn't impact the others. The hypervisor maintains VM connectivity and secures their independence.
  • Hardware utilization: Server virtualization optimizes server hardware. Virtual machines can run several operating systems and applications on the same hardware, optimizing resource usage and decreasing the need for actual servers.

Server virtualization abstracts actual hardware and allows numerous virtual environments on a single server, improving IT infrastructure flexibility, scalability, and efficiency.

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Related topics

Cloud Computing

Hybrid Cloud

Virtualization