Virtualization technology transforms hardware into software. Virtualization allows you to run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a single computer, and each copy of the operating system is installed in a virtual machine. In server virtualization, you install a layer of software between the server hardware and the operating system. In this course, you will learn about the concepts of virtualization and the differences between virtual machines and virtual servers. You will also become familiar with the VMware product portfolio and how these products interact.

Businesses must provide high availability for applications while keeping operating expenses low. Applications must always be available, in all places, with optimal response times. Virtualization, multitenancy, and other advancements place increasing demands on the network. This connectivity must be provided without making changes to end systems or by compromising the stability of the overall network. Overlays are independent of the underlying infrastructure technologies and services. They typically do not impose restrictions on the underlying infrastructure, provided the overlays can transport IP packets. In the VMware environment, the network is virtualized. Most network components are virtualized, except for the network interface card (NIC), which resides in the host. Physical NICs usually act as uplink ports in the vSwitches that are created at the VMware hypervisor level. In this module, you will learn the basic concepts of network overlays in data center design and the VMware vSwitch, including its function in the data center virtual infrastructure design.