Which virtualization technology—OpenVZ or KVM—is superior? This query is frequently asked by clients who are researching virtual private servers (VPS). While there are many options available, such as VMware, Xen, and Hyper-V, let’s look at and distinguish between two more popular types that you can also acquire through Time4VPS: KVM and OpenVZ.
Container-based virtualization for Linux is called OpenVZ. Because of OS-level virtualization, many fundamental components (such as the same kernel) only exist once on the computer and are utilized by every guest. Every container functions and runs in the same way as a standalone server; it has root access, users, IP addresses, memory, processes, files, apps, system libraries, and configuration files. Additionally, each container may be rebooted on its own. You can use the resources more effectively in this way.
Running OpenVZ has several benefits, including reduced host resource requirements and excellent performance.
It frequently includes ready-made templates that the end user may install with only a few clicks.
Cons: If anything is missing, there probably won’t be a way to activate it. The host loads the only kernel modules that are available.
KVM
However, KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a complete virtualization solution. On the same hardware, Linux and Windows virtual machines can coexist thanks to KVM. Private virtualized hardware includes a graphics adapter, disk, network card, kernel, and other components for each virtual system. Having its own virtualized hardware, the virtual server will function entirely independently.
From a host standpoint, KVM utilizes substantially more resources than OpenVZ since it maintains distinct instances for each virtual server.
The benefits of KVM include the ability to migrate from a virtual machine to a dedicated server with flexibility, the usability of its own kernel, and the expectation that all applications would function just as they would on a dedicated server.
These benefits come at a cost, namely an increase in the host’s resource requirements and a little decrease in I/O and CPU performance.
Differences Between KVM and OpenVZ
