| You already know that virtualization is a great way | | | | So, everything virtual can be run on a single server |
| to utilize your hardware resources, but what you | | | | that interfaces with your physical connections. Some |
| may not know is all of the elements that go into the | | | | vendors offer out-of-the-box solutions, while others |
| infrastructure for virtualization. Many people simply | | | | allow you to configure everything on the servers of |
| believe that virtualization means running several | | | | your choosing. |
| environments on one server. That is true to some | | | | |
| degree, but for networking professionals there is a | | | | Once you understand these concepts, you can see |
| lot more to it. | | | | the flexibility that exists in a virtual environment. By |
| | | | | the same token, one must also realize that there is |
| So let's start from what is most visible on a virtual | | | | some potential in these virtual interfaces to be |
| network: an environment. This involves an operating | | | | misused, and encounter network performance |
| system that is running applications. But the connection | | | | problems. Fortunately, there are network |
| from there goes much deeper. A single environment | | | | management solutions that compliment and support |
| must connect with a virtual Ethernet adapter. In | | | | virtualization. |
| some cases, the environment may be connected to | | | | |
| more than one adapter depending on the specific | | | | It's especially helpful if you can find virtualization |
| purpose. From there, the adapter connects to a | | | | monitoring software that is already configured to |
| virtual switch. Both of these virtual devices are highly | | | | work out of the box with the top vendor, which |
| adaptable and are less susceptible to certain types of | | | | currently is VMWare. Since many virtualized platforms |
| cyber attack. | | | | run on VMWare -- everything from your virtual |
| | | | | environments to your adapters and switch -- this kind |
| Of course, from this point the virtualized | | | | of software can be a real help. |
| infrastructure has to connect to something physical. | | | | |
| That's why the network will then connect to a | | | | Whether you check out paid products or free |
| physical Ethernet adapter, at which point it interfaces | | | | virtualization monitoring solutions, you'll definitely want |
| with your regular network. | | | | to find something that is able to handle monitoring in |
| | | | | the new world of virtualization. |