What is Hyperconvergence?

Hyper-convergence is defined as an IT framework that is a single system consisting of storage, computing, and networking with an aim to reduce data center complexity. Hyperconvergence improves the performance, scalability, and security of the systems. These systems make use of hypervisor for virtualized computing and networking and for software-defined storage. Hyperconvergence provides simplicity as it is provided by cloud-like infrastructure.

What is Hyperconverged Infrastructure?

Hyperconverged Infrastructure is also known as HCI. It is defined as an infrastructure that combines storage, computing, and networking into a single system or cluster. Hyperconverged Infrastructure consists of multiple nodes that are combined in order to form a pool that shares the common storage and compute resources. This makes the infrastructure more flexible and easy to handle. The participating resources of storage and computing are managed centrally by software for efficient working. 

Architecture of Non-Converged, Converged, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure

The above figure shows the Non-Converged, Converged, and Hyperconverged Infrastructure.

A. Non-Converged Infrastructure

Non-Converged infrastructure refers to IT infrastructure framework where all the required components such as storage, computing, and networking are separated. All the components are managed independently and are connected with the help of a network switch.

B. Converged Infrastructure

Converged Infrastructure refers to a framework where the storage, computing, and networking devices are integrated into a pre-configured system. The components are separated but optimized to work together when required.

Difference between Non-Converged, Converged, and Hyperconverged Infrastructure

Parameter	Non-Converged Infrastructure	Converged Infrastructure	Hyperconverged Infrastructure
Architecture	All the components in Non-Converged infrastructure are separated and connected through network switches.	The components in Converged infrastructure are integrated at the hardware level.	All the components in Hyperconverged Infrastructure are combined together into a single system.
Maintenance of Components	All the components in Non-Converged infrastructure are managed independently.	All the components in the Converged infrastructure are managed independently.	All the components in Hyperconverged Infrastructure are managed centrally by the defined software.
Scalability	Non-Converged Infrastructure systems are difficult to scale. They require a separate component and need to configure them.	Converged infrastructure systems are more difficult to scale. Here, Pre-integrated systems are added.	Hyperconverged Infrastructure systems are easy to scale. The node needs to be added to the cluster.

Benefits of Hyperconverged Infrastructure

1. Improved Performance

Hyperconverged Infrastructure systems can be used to deploy and handle high workloads that include SQL servers, enterprise apps, etc. Hyperconverged Infrastructure provides improved performance even for such heavy workloads.

2. Scalability

Hyperconverged Infrastructures are easily scalable. In the existing cluster, multiple new nodes can be added easily. New required resources are automatically identified by the system and integrated accordingly.

3. Data Protection and Security

Hyperconverged Infrastructure systems consist of built-in data protection mechanisms and self-encrypting tools and drives for a high level of security. It also provides features for backup and disaster recovery.

4. Improved Resource Utilization

Hyperconverged Infrastructure provides efficient utilization of resources dynamically allocating te resources and balancing the workloads in the cluster. Optimization performance is provided by efficient use of resources.

5. Cost Effective

In Hyperconverged Infrastructure, the required components need to be integrated into a single platform. This integration reduces the use of power, maintenance cost, and storage footprint. Thus implementation and maintenance of Hyperconverged Infrastructure systems is cost-effective.

Applications of Hyperconverged Infrastructure

1. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure majorly makes use of HCI as the Hyperconverged Infrastructure combines computing, storage, and networking into a single system. HCI allows efficient management and improved performance for virtual desktops.

2. Private Cloud

Private clouds make use of Hyperconverged Infrastructure as they provide the base to integrate the required components into a single system. It improves the performance and accessibility for private cloud users.

3. Remote Office Environment

Hyperconverged Infrastructure is used in remote IT industries where limited IT resources are available. HCI reduces the hardware footprint and provides proper management for IT professionals.

FAQs On Hyperconvergence

1. Give an example of Hyperconverged Infrastructure?

The Hewlett Packard Enterprise(HPE) SimpliVity platform is an example of Hyperconverged Infrastructure.

2. What is meant by Hyperconverged Storage?

Hyperconverged Storage is defined as a storage where storage resources are available for the several nodes. This storage is more flexible and Scalable as compared to traditional storage.

3. What is difference between Hyperconverged Infrastructure and Hypervisor?

The main difference between Hyperconverged Infrastructure and Hypervisor is that Hyperconverged Infrastructure management layer provides with multiple components such as storage, computing and networking into a single unit but the Hypervisor does not.

4. Among Non-Converged, converged, and Hyperconverged Infrastructure which infrastructure is more scalable?

Hyperconverged Infrastructure systems are more easy to scale as compared to non-converged and converged infrastructure. It is easy to add a new node according to the requirement in Hyperconverged Infrastructure.