Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
As the demand for IT to do more with less while increasing efficiency has risen, virtualiza-
tion has become a critical component in most enterprise networks. Virtualization tech-
nologies allow a physical device to share its resources by acting as multiple versions of
itself. Other forms of virtualization can enable multiple physical devices to logically ap-
pear as one.
Virtualization is a critical component of the Cisco network architectures for the enter-
prise data center and is changing the way data centers are architected. The use of virtual-
ization improves network efficiency, provides enhanced flexibility, and reduces
operational expenses.
Challenges
Network designers face many challenges that are driving the need to deploy virtualization
technologies in the network. Data centers are growing rapidly, and these challenges di-
rectly impact the profitability of the business.
Key
To p i c
Ta ke a lo ok a t s ome of t he ke y d r i v i n g forc e s for v i r t u a l i z a t ion adop t ion i n Ta ble 4 - 4 .
Ta b l e 4 - 4
Virtualization Key Drivers
Virtualization Driving
Forces
Description
Operational cost
Need to reduce rising cost of powering and cooling devices
in the DC while getting more productivity
Reduce the number of physi-
cal devices
DC consolidation of assets performing individual tasks
Traffic is olat ion
Logical, separate user groups secured from other groups on
the same network
Increased performance/price
ratio
Eliminate underutilized hardware that exhibits poor perform-
ance/price ratio
Defining Virtualization and Benefits
Virtualization
is an umbrella term used to represent several different technologies. Virtu-
alization technologies share a common theme in their ability to abstract logical elements
from hardware (applications or operating systems) or networks (LANs and SANs) and run
them in a virtual state. Virtualization brings many benefits, from consolidation to in-
creased efficiency.
