What is Virtual Switch?

Definition of Virtual Switch

A virtual switch (VSwitch) is a program that helps one virtual machine to communicate with another. It not only forwards data packets but also inspects those packets before forwarding them. It is usually embedded in the software and it can also be included in a server as firmware.

Brief Description of Virtual Switch

A virtual switch or vswitch is a software program that helps virtual machines communicate.  It minimizes the complexity of configuring the networks by reducing the number of switches required . It can be connected to a Network Interface Card. A virtual switch can be deployed as software or as a firmware.

Some of the advantages of virtual switches for network / cloud administrators are:

• It helps virtual servers in deployment and migration
• Easy to roll out hardware, software or firmware related functionality
• Enables network personnel to management virtual switches via hypervisor