What is Virtualisation? Explained in Detail

Imagine being able to run multiple computers on a single machine, each with its own Operating System and software. That's the power of Virtualisation. But What is Virtualisation exactly? It's a technology that allows you to create virtual versions of physical systems like servers, storage, or networks. This blog will explore the basics of Virtualisation, its various types, and the key benefits it offers. We’ll also discuss when it's best to use Virtualisation, compare popular tools, and touch on important risk management considerations.

Table of Contents 

1) What is Virtualisation? 

2) How Virtualisation Works?   

3) Benefits of Virtualisation 

4) Types of Virtualisations

5) When not to use Virtualisation?

6) Which is Better, VMware or VirtualBox 

7) Is Virtualisation a Security Risk?

8) Conclusion

What is Virtualisation? 

Virtualisation is a revolutionary technology that transforms the traditional approach to computing by abstracting physical resources and creating virtual instances. At its core, Virtualisation involves the emulation of hardware, allowing multiple virtual environments to coexist on a single physical system. This innovative concept spans various domains, including servers, storage, desktops, and networks. 

In server Virtualisation, a physical server is partitioned into multiple virtual machines, each operating independently with its own operating system and applications. This optimisation of server resources enhances efficiency and reduces hardware costs. Desktop Virtualisation extends this principle to end-user computing, providing flexibility and centralised management. 

Storage Virtualisation abstracts physical storage devices, simplifying management and improving data mobility. Network Virtualisation, on the other hand, decouples networking components, enabling the creation of independent virtual networks for enhanced scalability and simplified administration.
 

How Virtualisation Works  

Virtualisation is a transformative technology that operates on the fundamental principle of abstracting physical resources to create virtual instances, allowing for more efficient and flexible computing. At the heart of Virtualisation are cloud instances or Virtual Machines (VMs) and hypervisors, both playing pivotal roles in reshaping the traditional concept of computing: 

Cloud Instances or Virtual Machines
 

Cloud instances, also known as virtual machines, are the cornerstone of Virtualisation. A virtual machine emulates a complete physical computer, including the operating system, applications, and associated hardware. This emulation is achieved through the use of hypervisors, which act as a layer between the physical hardware and the virtual machines. 

Each virtual machine operates independently on a shared physical server, creating the illusion of multiple isolated systems coexisting on the same hardware. This allows for significant resource consolidation, as a single server can host numerous virtual machines, each running its own unique set of applications and services. 

Cloud instances provide several key advantages: 

a) Resource Optimisation: Virtualisation allows for the efficient utilisation of physical resources by running multiple virtual machines on a single server. This consolidation results in improved resource efficiency and reduced hardware costs. 

b) Isolation and Security: Each Virtual Machine (VM) operates in its own isolated environment, making sure that applications and processes within one VM do not interfere with those in another. This isolation enhances security and stability, minimising the risk of vulnerabilities spreading across different instances. 

c) Flexibility and Scalability: Cloud instances can be quickly provisioned or de-provisioned based on demand. This flexibility enables organisations to scale their computing resources up or down rapidly, responding dynamically to changing workloads. 

Hypervisors 

At the core of Virtualisation is the hypervisor, known as a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM). The hypervisor is designed to manage and allocate the physical attributes of a host machine to multiple virtual machines.  

There are two types of hypervisors:  

a) Type 1 Hypervisor (Bare-metal): This hypervisor operates directly on the hardware without the requirement of a host operating system. It has direct control over the physical resources and is often more efficient than Type 2 hypervisors. Examples include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V Server, and KVM. 

b) Type 2 Hypervisor (Hosted): This hypervisor operates on top of a host operating system and relies on it for resource management. While not as performance-optimised as Type 1 hypervisors, Type 2 hypervisors are more user-friendly and easier to set up. Examples include VMware Workstation, Oracle VirtualBox, and Parallels. 

The hypervisor creates and manages virtual machines by dividing the physical resources of the host machine into multiple isolated environments. It allocates Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, storage, and network resources to each virtual machine, ensuring fair and efficient utilisation. 

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Benefits of Virtualisation

Virtualisation offers many advantages for data centres and service providers:

Better Resource Use

Before Virtualisation, each application needed a separate physical server, leading to wasted resources. With Virtualisation, you can run multiple applications, each with its own Virtual Machine (VM), on a single physical server. This helps make better use of the hardware’s capacity without losing reliability.

Simpler Management

With VMs, IT management becomes easier. Policies can be defined in software, allowing automation of tasks like deployment and configuration. This ensures that services can be set up quickly and consistently without manual effort. Security policies can also be applied to ensure certain configurations are in place.

Less Downtime

When an operating system or application crashes, it can lead to downtime and affect productivity. Virtualisation allows for the running of redundant virtual machines, so if one fails, another can take over. This is cheaper and more efficient than having multiple physical servers.

Faster Setup

Setting up hardware for each application can be slow. With Virtualisation, if the hardware is already in place, setting up virtual machines to run your applications is much quicker. Automation tools can speed up this procedure and make it part of your daily workflow.

Types of Virtualisation  

Below are the 11 types of Virtualisation methods possible for users: 

1) Server Virtualisation

Server Virtualisation allows multiple virtual servers to run on a single physical server. Each virtual server behaves like an independent machine. This means you can use the physical server’s resources more efficiently. It reduces the need for extra hardware, saving space and energy. Server Virtualisation also simplifies management, as updates and changes can be done on a single physical machine.

2) Network Virtualisation 

Network Virtualisation combines multiple physical networks into one virtual network. It allows easier management of network resources and connections. Administrators can quickly configure and adjust the network without changing the physical hardware. It enhances flexibility, scalability, and performance. Network Virtualisation can also improve security by isolating different network segments.

3) Storage Virtualisation 

Storage Virtualisation merges different physical storage devices into one virtual storage pool. This makes managing storage easier and more efficient. You can access and allocate storage resources without worrying about the physical location of data. It allows for better use of available storage and quicker adjustments to capacity. Storage Virtualisation also improves disaster recovery by consolidating data across different locations.

4) Desktop Virtualisation 

Desktop Virtualisation enables users to access a desktop environment hosted on a central server. This means users can work from any device, anywhere, with the same desktop experience. All data is stored securely on the server, improving security. It simplifies software updates, as they only need to be applied to the server. Desktop Virtualisation is especially useful for businesses with remote or mobile workers.

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5) Data Virtualisation 

Data Virtualisation lets you access and manage data from different sources without physically moving it. It creates a single view of all your data, no matter where it’s stored. This eliminates the need for data duplication and simplifies access. Real-time access to data helps improve decision-making and reporting. It also reduces data storage costs and complexity by not requiring data to be copied or centralised.

6) Application Virtualisation

Application Virtualisation runs applications in a virtual environment rather than directly on the user’s device. This means users don’t need to install apps on their computers. Applications can be accessed on any device, increasing flexibility. It reduces conflicts between different software and operating systems. Application Virtualisation also makes it easier to manage updates and patching centrally.

7) Data Centre Virtualisation 

Data centre Virtualisation combines physical resources like servers, storage, and networks into virtual systems. This allows businesses to manage and optimise resources more efficiently. It helps reduce the physical space needed for equipment, saving on energy and costs. Virtualising a data centre makes scaling up or down quicker and easier. It also provides better disaster recovery solutions by centralising resources.

8) Linux Virtualisation 

Linux Virtualisation allows multiple Linux operating systems to run on a single physical server. Each Virtual Machine (VM) operates independently, enabling you to run different Linux versions or applications. This reduces the need for additional hardware and cuts energy costs. It’s particularly useful for organisations that use multiple Linux distributions. Linux Virtualisation also simplifies system management and increases the flexibility of deployments.

9) Cloud Virtualisation 

Cloud Virtualisation creates virtual resources, such as servers and storage, in a cloud environment. It lets users scale resources up or down based on their needs. This eliminates the need for physical hardware and offers flexibility in resource management. Cloud virtualisation also ensures easy access to resources from any location. This is a vital feature of Cloud Computing, supporting businesses in maintaining a flexible and cost-effective IT infrastructure.

10) CPU Virtualisation 

CPU Virtualisation enables multiple virtual machines to share the same physical CPU. Each virtual machine thinks it has its own processor, which improves resource usage. This allows you to run several applications or systems without needing extra physical hardware. CPU Virtualisation increases efficiency by reducing idle time on the processor. It also makes it easier to manage computing resources and scale applications.

11) GPU Virtualisation

GPU Virtualisation lets multiple virtual machines share a single Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). This is ideal for applications that require high-end graphics, such as design software or gaming. Each virtual machine can use the GPU as if it had its own, which saves on hardware costs. GPU Virtualisation reduces the need for separate physical GPUs for each system. It is a more efficient way of managing graphical resources in a virtual environment.

When not to use Virtualisation?

Virtualisation isn't ideal for resource-heavy applications like gaming or 3D rendering. It's also unsuitable for very old or incompatible software. Limited hardware resources may also reduce performance.

Which is Better, VMware or VirtualBox

VMware is more stable and feature-rich, but it comes at a cost. VirtualBox is free and ideal for personal use or testing. VMware is better for businesses, while VirtualBox suits smaller-scale needs.

Is Virtualisation a Security Risk?

Virtualisation can pose risks if not properly managed, as one VM’s vulnerability could affect others. With proper security measures, these risks can be reduced. Managed well, it's not more risky than physical servers.

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Conclusion 

We hope this blog has helped you comprehend What is Virtualisation and how it can benefit your IT infrastructure. Virtualisation allows you to run multiple virtual systems on a single physical machine, improving efficiency. By exploring its types, you can make better decisions on when to implement it. With the right approach, Virtualisation can optimise your resource management and streamline operations.

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