PART –A (10×2=20 Marks)
1. What is desktop virtualization?
Desktop virtualization is a technology that separates the desktop environment from the
physical hardware, allowing users to access their desktop from any device using a virtual
machine or cloud-based infrastructure.
2. List any two benefits of server virtualization.
Better resource utilization: Multiple virtual servers can run on a single physical
server, reducing hardware costs.
Improved disaster recovery: Virtual machines can be easily backed up and restored
in case of failure.
3. Define cloud computing architecture.
Cloud computing architecture refers to the structure and components of cloud services,
including the front-end (user interface), back-end (servers, storage, and databases), and the
network that connects them.
4. How does I/O device virtualization work?
I/O device virtualization abstracts physical I/O devices, allowing multiple virtual machines
(VMs) to share the same physical devices efficiently using techniques like pass-through and
emulation.
5. Explain the importance of layered cloud architecture.
Layered cloud architecture improves scalability, security, and efficiency by organizing cloud
computing into layers such as infrastructure, platform, and application, ensuring modularity
and better resource management.
6. Differentiate between desktop and server virtualization.
Desktop Virtualization: Virtual desktops are hosted on a central server and accessed
remotely.
Server Virtualization: Physical servers are divided into multiple virtual servers,
optimizing resource utilization and reducing costs.
7. How does inter-cloud resource management enhance cloud efficiency?
Inter-cloud resource management allows workloads to be distributed across multiple cloud
providers, optimizing performance, reducing costs, and improving reliability through load
balancing and failover mechanisms.
8. Apply virtualization techniques to improve hardware utilization.
Server Consolidation: Running multiple virtual machines on a single physical server.
Dynamic Resource Allocation: Adjusting CPU, memory, and storage resources
dynamically based on workload demands.
9. Compare and contrast the impact of CPU and memory virtualization on cloud
performance.
CPU Virtualization: Enables multiple virtual CPUs (vCPUs) to share physical CPU
resources, improving processing efficiency but may cause scheduling overhead.
Memory Virtualization: Allows virtual machines to share physical memory, improving
efficiency but can lead to performance issues like swapping and memory ballooning.
10. Examine the role of virtualization in optimizing cloud storage.
Virtualization enhances cloud storage by enabling storage pooling, thin provisioning, and
deduplication, leading to improved storage efficiency, cost savings, and better data
management.
PART-B (2×15=30 Marks)
11. Describe desktop virtualization and its advantages in cloud computing.
Desktop Virtualization:
Desktop virtualization allows users to run their desktop environment on a remote server
instead of a local device. It is widely used in cloud computing to provide secure and flexible
access to computing resources.
Desktop virtualization is a technology that separates a desktop environment from the
physical device, allowing users to access their desktop remotely through a virtual machine or
cloud infrastructure. It enables multiple users to run their desktops on centralized servers
instead of individual physical machines.
Types of Desktop Virtualization
1. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI):
o Desktops are hosted on a centralized server and accessed remotely.
o Examples: VMware Horizon, Citrix XenDesktop.
2. Remote Desktop Services (RDS):
o A single OS instance is shared among multiple users.
o Examples: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services.
3. Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS):
o A cloud-based service that provides virtual desktops on demand.
o Examples: Amazon WorkSpaces, Windows 365.
Advantages of Desktop Virtualization
✅ Cost Savings: Reduces hardware and maintenance costs by centralizing desktop
management.
✅ Remote Access: Users can access their desktop from any device, anywhere.
✅ Security: Centralized storage of data minimizes the risk of data loss.
✅ Simplified IT Management: IT teams can manage and update desktops remotely.
✅ Scalability: Easy to add or remove virtual desktops based on demand.
12. List and explain the different layers in a layered cloud architecture.
Layered Cloud Architecture
Layered cloud architecture organizes cloud computing into different layers, each responsible
for specific functions. This structured approach improves scalability, security, and resource
management.
A layered cloud architecture consists of multiple layers, each handling specific aspects of
cloud computing.
1. Physical Layer (Hardware Layer)
Role:
The foundation of cloud infrastructure that includes physical servers, storage
devices, and networking equipment.
These physical resources are housed in data centers and are managed through
virtualization.
Components:
Servers – Compute resources hosting cloud services.
Storage Systems – Hard drives, SSDs, and network-attached storage (NAS).
Networking – Routers, switches, and firewalls enabling data transmission.
2. Virtualization Layer
Role:
Enables multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server.
Hypervisors (like VMware, KVM, Hyper-V) manage resource allocation among VMs.
Key Features:
✅ Hardware Independence: Applications run independently of physical hardware.
✅ Resource Optimization: Maximizes server utilization, reducing costs.
✅ Isolation: Prevents conflicts between VMs running on the same physical server.
3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Layer
Role:
Provides on-demand access to computing resources like virtual machines, storage,
and networking.
Customers can rent computing power instead of owning physical hardware.
Examples:
🖥 Compute Services: AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine
💾 Storage Services: Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage
🌐 Networking Services: Azure Virtual Network
Benefits:
✔ Scalability: Increase or decrease resources as needed.
✔ Cost Efficiency: Pay only for what you use (pay-as-you-go model).
✔ Flexibility: Supports various operating systems and applications.
4. Platform as a Service (PaaS) Layer
Role:
Provides a development and deployment environment for applications.
Developers don’t need to manage hardware or software; they focus on coding.
Examples:
💻 Application Development Platforms: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services
📦 Database Services: AWS RDS, Firebase
Benefits:
✔ Faster Development: Pre-configured environments reduce setup time.
✔ Automatic Updates: Security patches and maintenance handled by the provider.
✔ Collaboration: Multiple developers can work on the same project.
5. Software as a Service (SaaS) Layer
Role:
Delivers ready-to-use applications over the internet, eliminating the need for local
installation.
Users access software via web browsers.
Examples:
📧 Email Services: Gmail, Outlook 365
📂 File Storage: Google Drive, Dropbox
📊 Business Tools: Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365
Benefits:
✔ Accessibility: Use applications from any device with internet access.
✔ Automatic Updates: The provider handles maintenance and security.
✔ Subscription-Based Pricing: Cost-effective for businesses.
6. Security and Management Layer
Role:
Ensures data protection, compliance, and monitoring across all layers.
Uses encryption, firewalls, and authentication mechanisms.
Key Security Measures:
🔒 Encryption: Protects data at rest and in transit.
🛡 Identity & Access Management (IAM): Controls user permissions.
📊 Monitoring & Logging: Tools like AWS CloudTrail, Azure Security Center.
