1) Differentiate between grid computing and cloud computing?

Ans)

Feature Grid Computing Cloud Computing

A distributed computing model that uses A model that provides on-demand

Definition resources from multiple locations to reach access to shared computing resources
a common goal. over the internet.

Resource Resources are geographically distributed Resources are centralized in data

Location but connected via a grid. centers and accessed via cloud.

Resources are typically owned by different Resources are owned and managed by
Ownership
organizations. cloud service providers.

Suited for batch processing and scientific Suited for dynamic applications like
Usage Model
applications. web hosting, storage, etc.

Limited scalability, depends on connected Highly scalable with pay-as-you-go

Scalability
systems. model.

Centralized resource management by

Management Decentralized resource management.
providers.

Follows service models like IaaS, PaaS,

Service Model Doesn’t follow IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS strictly.
and SaaS.

Internet Heavily dependent on internet

May or may not require the internet.
Dependency connectivity.

SETI@home (Search for Extra-Terrestrial

Example Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure.
Intelligence).

Diagram: Grid Computing vs Cloud Computing

2) Define virtualizations? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of Virtualization?

Ans) Definition:

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual representation of hardware such as server, storage,
network or other physical machines. It Supports multiple copies of virtual machines(VMs) to execute
on one physical machine each with their own operating system and programs. This optimizes
hardware efficiency and flexibility and enables resources to be shared between multiple customers
or organizations.

Virtualization is a key to providing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solutions for cloud computing,
whereby the user has access to remote computing resources.

Diagram: Virtualization

Advantages of Virtualization:

1. Efficient Resource Utilization

 o Maximizes usage of CPU, memory, and storage.

2. Cost Saving

o Reduces hardware and energy costs by consolidating servers.

3. Easy Backup and Recovery

o Snapshots allow quick backup, restoration, and migration.

4. Isolation

o Each VM is independent; one failure doesn’t affect others.

5. Flexibility and Scalability

o New VMs can be easily created or removed as per demand.

6. Testing and Development

o Safe environment to test software without affecting the main system.

Disadvantages of Virtualization:

1. Performance Overhead

o VMs may not perform as efficiently as physical machines.

2. Initial Setup Cost

o Requires investment in virtualization software and skilled staff.

3. Security Risk

o If hypervisor is compromised, all VMs are at risk.

4. Resource Limitation

o Over-provisioning VMs can lead to system slowdowns.

5. Complex Management

o Managing many virtual systems can become complex over time.

3) Describe virtual clustering in cloud computing?

Ans) Definition:

Virtual Clustering in Cloud Computing refers to a group of virtual machines (VMs) that work together
as a single computing system. These VMs are created using virtualization technology and are
deployed across multiple physical servers but behave like a unified cluster.

It is mainly used to increase scalability, fault tolerance, and high availability in cloud environments.
Key Features:

1. Dynamic Resource Allocation: Resources like CPU, memory, and storage can be allocated to
VMs as per demand.

2. Load Balancing: Workloads are distributed across virtual nodes to avoid overloading.

3. Scalability: New VMs can be easily added to the cluster.

4. High Availability: If one VM fails, others continue to work, ensuring minimal downtime.

5. Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need for multiple physical machines.

Advantages of Virtual Clustering:

• Improved Performance through parallel processing.

• Reduced Hardware Cost due to virtual resource sharing.

• Ease of Management using tools to monitor and scale VMs.

• Efficient Disaster Recovery with VM backup and migration options.

• Better Utilization of Resources with virtualization.

Challenges:

• Requires powerful underlying physical infrastructure.

• Management complexity increases with large clusters.

• Potential security issues if isolation between VMs is weak.

Diagram: Virtual Clustering in Cloud Computing

4) Explain the importance of hypervisor in cloud computing? Compare Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisor?

Ans) Definition:

A hypervisor is a form of virtualization software used in Cloud hosting to divide and allocate the
resources on various pieces of hardware. The program which provides partitioning, isolation, or
abstraction is called a virtualization hypervisor. The hypervisor is a hardware virtualization technique
that allows multiple guest operating systems (OS) to run on a single host system at the same time. A
hypervisor is sometimes also called a virtual machine manager(VMM).

Importance of Hypervisor in Cloud Computing:

1. Virtualization: Enables multiple VMs to run on a single physical machine.

2. Resource Efficiency: Optimizes CPU, memory, and storage usage.

3. Isolation: Keeps VMs separate for better security and fault tolerance.

4. Scalability: Allows dynamic creation or deletion of VMs based on demand.

5. Migration: Supports live migration of VMs without shutting them down.

6. Disaster Recovery: VMs can be easily backed up and restored.

7. Multi-Tenant Environment: Enables cloud providers to serve multiple customers securely on

the same hardware.

Comparison: Type 1 vs Type 2 Hypervisor

Feature Type 1 Hypervisor Type 2 Hypervisor

Also Known As Bare-metal Hypervisor Hosted Hypervisor

Installed On Directly on physical hardware On top of an existing operating system

Better performance (closer to Slightly lower performance (due to host

Performance
hardware) OS layer)

VirtualBox, VMware Workstation,

Examples VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, Xen
Parallels

Data centers, cloud infrastructure Personal desktop virtualization

Use Case
(enterprise use) (home/small scale)

Resource
Low High
Overhead

Stability &
More stable and secure Less secure (depends on host OS)
Security

Diagram: Type 1 vs Type 2 Hypervisor

5) What is virtualization? What is Type 1 Hypervisor and Type 2 Hypervisor?

Ans) VIRTUALIZATION SAME AS 2)

TYPE 1 HYPERVISOR AND TYPE 2 HYPERVISOR SAME AS 4)

6) Explain Virtual clustering in detail?

Ans) SAME AS 3)

7) Explain Virtualization in grid computing?

Ans) Definition:

Virtualization in Grid Computing refers to the use of virtual machines (VMs) to abstract and manage
physical resources (CPU, memory, storage, network) in a distributed grid environment.

It allows grid systems to run multiple tasks on virtualized resources across different locations while
appearing as a single unified platform.

Key Points:

1. Resource Abstraction: Physical resources (computers, servers) are virtualized and treated as
unified logical resources.
 2. Improved Flexibility: Tasks can be deployed on any virtual machine in the grid, regardless of
underlying hardware.

3. Scalability: Virtualization allows easy addition or removal of resources to the grid.

4. Isolation: Each task runs in a separate VM, ensuring independence and security.

5. Efficient Utilization: Idle resources across the grid can be used effectively via VMs.

6. Mobility: Virtual machines can be moved between physical nodes for load balancing or fault
recovery.

Diagram: Virtualization in Grid Computing

8) Explain Virtualization Application and Pitfalls of Virtualization?

Ans) Applications of Virtualization:

1. Server Consolidation:

o Multiple virtual servers run on a single physical server, reducing hardware cost.

2. Software Testing & Development:

o Developers can test different OS and software environments without affecting the
host machine.

3. Cloud Computing:
 o Essential for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS); allows dynamic resource provisioning.

4. Disaster Recovery:

o Virtual machines can be backed up and restored easily.

5. Desktop Virtualization:

o Users can access their virtual desktop environments from anywhere.

6. Network Virtualization:

o Combines network resources and splits bandwidth into channels to manage traffic
efficiently.

Pitfalls of Virtualization:

1. Performance Overhead:

o VMs may run slower than physical machines due to resource sharing.

2. Security Risks:

o If the hypervisor is compromised, all VMs are at risk.

3. Complex Management:

o Managing large numbers of VMs can be complex without proper tools.

4. Resource Contention:

o Multiple VMs competing for the same physical resources may cause slowdowns.

5. Software Licensing:

o Licensing virtual environments can be more expensive or complex.

6. Backup Complexity:

o Backup and recovery of VMs may need specialized tools.

Diagram: Applications and Pitfalls of Virtualization

9) Explain Network and Storage Virtualization?

Ans) 1. Network Virtualization:

Definition:

Network virtualization is the process of combining hardware (like switches and routers) and software
network resources into a single, software-based network.

Key Points:

• Creates virtual networks that are independent of physical hardware.

• Allows multiple virtual networks to run on a single physical network.

• Enables efficient traffic management, better security, and quick deployment.

Applications:

• Cloud data centers

 • Multi-tenant environments

• Software Defined Networking (SDN)

2. Storage Virtualization:

Definition:

Storage virtualization combines multiple physical storage devices into a single virtual storage pool
that appears as one logical storage unit.

Key Points:

• Simplifies data management and backup.

• Improves storage utilization and scalability.

• Enables dynamic allocation of storage resources.

Applications:

• Cloud storage systems

• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

• Disaster recovery
10) Explain virtual machine migration technique in detail?

Ans) Definition:

VM Migration is the process of moving a running virtual machine from one physical host to another
without disconnecting the client or shutting down the VM.

Types of VM Migration:

1. Cold Migration:

• VM is powered off before migration.

• Simple but causes downtime.

2. Live Migration:

• VM is moved while it is still running.

• No downtime, seamless to users.

• Common in cloud and data centers.

Steps in Live Migration:

1. Pre-Migration:

o Destination host is prepared with necessary resources.

2. Memory Copy Phase:

o VM memory pages are copied while the VM is still running.

3. Stop-and-Copy Phase:
 o VM is paused briefly, remaining memory and CPU states are copied.

4. Resume Phase:

o VM resumes operation on the destination host.

Benefits:

• Load Balancing: Moves VMs from overloaded servers.

• Energy Efficiency: Consolidates VMs to fewer machines.

• Maintenance: Migrates VMs to allow hardware maintenance without downtime.

Diagram: VM Live Migration Process