17 Virtualization and cloud
This chapter covers
- Virtualization with virtual machines and containers
- Dividing a router into multiple virtual routers with Virtual Routing and Forwarding
- Cloud computing and its characteristics, service models, and deployment models
Virtualization and cloud computing are two technologies that have transformed modern IT infrastructure. Virtualization refers to a variety of technologies that enable you to create virtual versions of something—servers, routers, etc.—that are abstracted from the underlying physical hardware. Taking advantage of the flexibility of virtualization, cloud computing provides on-demand computing services that can be accessed remotely over a network and scaled to meet user demands.
In this chapter, we will delve into server virtualization with virtual machines (VMs), a technology that allows multiple virtual servers to run on a single physical server. We will also look at containers, a technology that runs applications in isolated environments offering flexibility, portability, and efficient resource usage. We will then explore Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), which divides a single physical router into multiple virtual routers. Finally, we will cover the concept of cloud computing and the various service models used by modern enterprises of all sizes. Here are the CCNA exam topics we will address: