What are the architectural classifications of server virtualizationServer virtualization is a technique that splits a physical machine into multiple independent virtual servers, each of which can run an operating system and applications independently. One physical server can host multiple virtual servers at the same time, which can further improve the utilization of hardware. In contrast to traditional physical servers, a physical server can only run one operating system and one set of applications. Virtualization technology changes this by creating and managing multiple virtual servers through virtualization software, each of which is called a virtual machine. Different virtualization technologies have different architecture categories, and the following are some common server virtualization architectures:

Full Virtualization:

In full virtualization, virtual machines (VMS) are created to simulate complete physical hardware. Each virtual machine runs a complete operating system, isolated from the physical server, and is not affected by other virtual machines. Typical full virtualization technologies include VMware and Microsoft Hyper-V.

Para-virtualization:

Paravirtualization modifies the operating system kernel so that it can work better with the virtualization layer. Paravirtualization often provides better performance than full virtualization, but requires that the operating system be modified to support paravirtualization. Xen is a good example of paravirtualization support.

Container virtualization:

Container virtualization is a lightweight form of virtualization that works by running containers on the host operating system instead of a full virtual machine. Containers share the kernel of the host system, making them lighter and faster to boot. Docker and Kubernetes are common container virtualization technologies.

Hardware-assisted Virtualization:

Hardware-assisted virtualization leverages processor virtualization extensions, such as Intel's VT-x and AMD's AMD-V, to improve virtual machine performance and security. These extensions allow virtual machines to directly access physical hardware without too much performance loss.

Network Virtualization:

Network virtualization allows the creation of multiple virtual networks on a single physical network infrastructure. This helps improve network flexibility and isolation. Technologies such as Open vSwitch and VMware NSX provide solutions for network virtualization.

Storage Virtualization:

Storage virtualization allows multiple physical storage devices to be abstracted into a logical storage unit, providing more flexible storage management. This helps simplify the management and allocation of storage resources. Examples include Storage Area Network (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS).

Desktop Virtualization:

Desktop virtualization separates the desktop environment from end users' devices and runs on virtual machines in the data center. This helps improve the efficiency of desktop management, ensuring security and maintainability. VMware Horizon and Microsoft Remote Desktop Services are examples of desktop virtualization.

The advantages of server virtualization are improved resource utilization, more flexibility and scalability, resource isolation and security, simplified management and maintenance, and energy and hardware cost savings. As an important technology in modern data center and cloud computing environments, virtualization brings enterprises a more efficient, flexible, and manageable IT infrastructure. These are common architectural categories for virtualization. How these virtualization architectures are chosen should be based on specific use cases, performance needs, resource management needs, security needs, and so on. When implementing server virtualization, select an appropriate virtualization technology based on actual requirements.