Isäntähypervisorit

Isäntähypervisorit, also known as Type 1 hypervisors, are a category of virtualization software that runs directly on the host's hardware. Unlike Type 2 hypervisors, which are installed as applications on an existing operating system, Type 1 hypervisors act as the operating system itself. This direct hardware access allows for greater efficiency and performance, as there is no underlying OS layer to introduce overhead.

Key characteristics of host hypervisors include their direct management of hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and I/O devices. They are responsible for allocating these resources to the virtual machines (VMs) that run on top of them. This architecture is often favored in enterprise environments and data centers where performance, security, and stability are paramount. Examples of prominent host hypervisors include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Xen.

The primary advantage of a host hypervisor is its minimal footprint and reduced attack surface due to the absence of a general-purpose operating system. This also translates to faster boot times and improved resource utilization. However, their setup and management can be more complex compared to Type 2 hypervisors, often requiring dedicated hardware and specialized administrative skills. They are the foundational layer for modern cloud computing infrastructures and server consolidation strategies.