Types of Virtualization Architecture

1. Hardware Virtualization

Creates virtual machines (VMs) that is equal to physical hardware, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server. This is the most widely used type of virtualization, offering efficient resource utilization and improved server connecting.

It is also known as platform virtualization, this form abstracts physical hardware resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage, to create virtual machines (VMs) that operate independently of the underlying hardware. Efficiently utilizes hardware resources, facilitates workload partition, and supports the simultaneous execution of multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical machine.

Examples: Hypervisors like VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM, and Xen.

2. Software Virtualization

Involves creating virtualized instances of software components, such as operating systems, libraries, or applications, that operate independently of the underlying hardware and other software. Focuses on virtualizing software applications, enabling them to run on any platform regardless of the underlying operating system.

• This allows applications to be packaged with their dependencies, removing compatibility issues and simplifying deployment across different environments.
• Enables compatibility across different software environments, simplifies application deployment, and facilitates legacy system support.

Examples: Containers (e.g., Docker), application virtualization platforms (e.g., Citrix XenApp), and operating system-level virtualization (e.g., Solaris Zones, Linux Containers).

3. Network Virtualization

Abstracts the physical network infrastructure, allowing for the creation of virtual networks that can be dynamically provisioned and managed. This enables creation of isolated and secure network segments for specific workloads or applications, improving network flexibility and efficiency.

• Abstracts network resources, such as switches, routers, and firewalls, to create virtual networks that operate independently of the underlying physical network infrastructure.
• It enhances network flexibility, scalability, and security by enabling the creation of multiple virtual networks with customized configurations and policies.

Examples: Virtual local area networks (VLANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), and software-defined networking (SDN) solutions like VMware NSX and Cisco ACI.

4. Storage Virtualization

Abstracts physical storage resources, such as disk drives and storage arrays, to create virtual storage pools that can be dynamically allocated and managed as needed. Improves storage efficiency, enables features like data deduplication and thin provisioning, and facilitates data management and migration tasks.

• Pools physical storage resources from various storage devices and presents them as a single, unified storage pool to applications and users.
• This simplifies storage management, improves resource utilization, and enables features like thin provisioning and automated storage tiering.

Examples: Storage area network (SAN) virtualization, network-attached storage (NAS) virtualization, and software-defined storage (SDS) solutions like VMware vSAN and Red Hat GlusterFS.

5. Desktop Virtualization

Separates the desktop environment from the physical client device, allowing users to access their desktops remotely from various devices, including thin clients, PCs, laptops, and mobile devices. Enhances flexibility, security, and manageability of desktop computing environments while centralizing administration and reducing endpoint management overhead.

• Delivers virtual desktops to end-users, allowing them to access their desktops and applications from any device with an internet connection.
• This provides a centralized and secure way to manage desktops, simplifies user provisioning, and enables BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios.

Examples: Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions like VMware Horizon, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, and Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS).

6. Application Virtualization

Isolates individual applications from the underlying operating system and other applications, encapsulating them within virtualized environments for deployment and execution. Enables compatibility between applications and operating systems, simplifies application deployment and management, and enhances system security.

• Packages individual applications and their dependencies into self-contained units that can run on any compatible system without modifying the underlying operating system.
• This simplifies application deployment and management, eliminates software conflicts, and improves application portability across different environments.

Examples: Application virtualization platforms like VMware ThinApp, Microsoft App-V, and Docker containers for application deployment.

A key idea in modern system design is virtualization, which provides a productive and adaptable method of making use of hardware resources. Through the creation of virtualized versions of physical components such as networks, storage, and servers, we can operate several separate environments on a single physical machine or throughout a distributed system.

The framework and techniques used to create and manage virtual instances of computer resources, such as hardware platforms, operating systems, storage devices, and network resources, are referred to as virtualization architecture in system design. It makes it possible for several virtualized instances to operate on a single physical machine, which enhances scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness while also facilitating effective resource utilization.