Virtualization is a technology that allows creating several logically isolated virtual machines (VMs) on one physical server, each of which functions as a separate server with its own operating system, applications and dedicated resources (processor, memory, disk space).
The basis of virtualization is a software layer - hypervisor, which manages the distribution of hardware resources between virtual machines and hides the features of physical hardware from them. This allows efficient use of computing power, reduces hardware costs and simplifies IT infrastructure management.
The basic principles underlying server virtualization technology include:
- Abstraction
Virtualization separates the software (operating systems and applications) from the physical hardware of the server. This is achieved by creating a software layer, the hypervisor, that hides the details of the physical hardware and provides virtual machines (VMs) with abstract resources (CPU, memory, disk space). - Isolation
Each virtual machine runs in an isolated environment, independent of other VMs. This ensures security and stability, as a failure or change in one VM does not affect the others. - Optimization and rational resource allocation
Physical server resources (CPU, RAM, disk space, network) are pooled and allocated to virtual machines as needed, increasing hardware utilization and reducing costs. - Scalability and flexibility
Virtualization allows you to quickly create, clone, migrate and reconfigure virtual machines, making your infrastructure easier to manage and more adaptable to changing requirements. - Increased resiliency
Virtual machines can be migrated from one physical server to another without interruption, ensuring service continuity and simplifying hardware maintenance.
Thus, server virtualization technology is based on the creation of an abstraction layer (hypervisor) to divide a physical server into multiple isolated virtual machines with efficient resource allocation, security and management flexibility.
