Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Hypervisor 
3.
Linux KVM
4.
Advantages of Linux Virtualization
5.
FAQs
6.
Key Takeaways 
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Linux Virtualization

Author yuvatimankar
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Introduction

Virtualization is creating a software-based, or virtual version of something, whether a computer, storage, networking, servers, or applications.

Linux Virtualization refers to the process in which more than one virtual machine can be installed, executed, and maintained in the Linux operating system.

 The virtual machine is a virtual presentation of a physical computer. Multiple virtual machines can be created with each operating system and application on a physical device. A virtual machine is unable to communicate directly with a physical computer. Therefore we use Hypervisor to manage physical hardware.

Hypervisor 

A Hypervisor is software that runs and helps in communication between virtual machines. The Hypervisor is also known as a virtual machine monitor(VMM). When physical hardware is used as a hypervisor, it is known as the host. The Hypervisor allocates each virtual machine a portion of computing resources such as memory and storage, which helps in preventing them from interfering.

Types of Hypervisors:

  • Type 1: Type 1 hypervisor is a native or bare-metal hypervisor. It runs directly on the host's server for managing the guest operating system. This type of Hypervisor is commonly used in an enterprise data center or other server-based organization. Examples of this Hypervisor are KVM, VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, etc.
  • Type 2: Type 2 hypervisor refers to a hosted Hypervisor. Also, it is run on a conventional operating system as a software layer. It abstracts the guest operating system from the host operating system. It works better for an individual user who wants to run multiple operating systems on a personal computer. Examples of type 2 hypervisors are Oracle VirtualBox and VMware workstations.

Linux KVM

Linux KVM is an open-source virtualization tool built into the Linux operating system and is specifically designed for x86 computers. KVM transforms Linux into a Type 1(bare metal ) Hypervisor. Each virtual machine is implemented as a Linux process scheduled by the Linux scheduler, with dedicated virtual hardware like graphic adapter, memory, disc, CPU.

It is a part of the Linux community and consistently provides new features, bug fixes for its users.

Features:

  • Security: For enhanced security and isolation, VM KVM uses a combination of Security-enhanced Linux and Secure Virtualization. SElinux creates security boundaries around Virtual machines.
  • Storage: KVM is allowed to use any storage that is supported by Linux, such as Local disk and network-attached storage(NAS).
  • Memory Management: KVM supports teleportation and dynamic memory management.
  • Performance and Scalability: KVM takes over the implementation of Linux. It allows the most demanding application workloads to be virtualized; also, it is the basis for many enterprise virtualization setups such as private cloud.
  • Hardware support: A wide variety of certified Linux-supported software-hardware platforms can be used by KVM. It allows the execution of several virtual machines for unmodified Linux images after installation, where every virtual machine has virtualized hardware, network card, graphics adapter, and disc.

Advantages of Linux Virtualization

  • Optimal Utilization: Less time is required to set up and maintain servers in Virtualization. Virtual servers can put up themselves in less space.
  • Easy Migration: Relocating is effortless in a virtualized environment as Linux virtualization needs infrastructure that is easy to transfer from one place to another.
  • Cost-Effective: Linux Virtualization is a cost-effective cure to target high earnings along with customer satisfaction. As the number of hardware installations is taken down, the cost of licensing gets reduced in Linux virtualization.
  • Availability: Maximum availability is offered by Linux virtualization. Another advantage is if one server fails to serve, then there will be another server available to serve the purpose.

FAQs

1. Is Linux good for Virtualization or not?

Ans: Linux Virtualization provides the suppleness to create a new environment with an existing physical box with the use of applications. It is well suited for customers in need and makes the customer more comfortable with business needs.

2. Which virtualization software is best suited for Linux?

Ans: Top five virtualization software that is best on Linux are Oracle VirtualBox, Linux KVM, Microsoft Hyper-V, Xen project, RedHat Virtualization(RHV).

3. How is Virtualization different from Cloud Computing?

Ans: Cloud computing is nothing but a combination of multiple hardware devices, while Virtualization is software that virtualizes your hardware into multiple machines.

Key Takeaways 

In this article, we have discussed Linux Virtualization in brief, also what is Hypervisor, the types of Hypervisor, What is KVM, the features of KVM, what are the advantages of Virtualization.

Recommended Reads: Features of linux operating system, Touch command in linux

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