Host Guest networking without cable

[andronikus]

Hi, maybe this isnt Vbox question but I hope someone can help.

I have ubuntu host and XP guest setup on Vbox 2.1. Ive setup Host networking on guest. Now the problem is that I have to plug in ehternet cable on my host mashine for working network between Guest an Host.

Is there a solution for this?

[andronikus]

Hi,

Yes I asked the same question there.


I looked link you gave me, Im wondering is there a way to achive guest host network to work without using bridge and tap interface, without NAT just one laptop, one guest no cables .

[Sasquatch]

Nothing special is needed as addition. Only the TAP adapter. Or you get yourself a switch. There is also a so-called loopback connector. All it does it link the TX wires to the RX wires. See http://www.tikkiweb.net/loopback as example.

[sej7278]

yes i used to use a loopback cable (twisted wires) with vmware which had the same issue, i didn't even realise that virtualbox had the same issue, never used it away from a switch i guess.

so what's the point of the "cable connected" option in the network settings then, one would assume that should override the need to actually have a "cable connected".

what's the logic behind it anyway, why would you want to limit network usage for something that doesn't actually traverse the network, by taking notice of the link state?

[Sasquatch]

The point is that VB uses the Host hardware settings. If the Host doesn't detect a link on an interface, it drops it configuration and turns it off. That way, VB won't be able to use it, because it's off. You can't see in the dark if you don't turn on the lights.
The option of Cable connected in the VM settings is the virtual cable. Sometimes you need to pull that plug if you need to do something that requires you to have an inactive network connection. You don't always want to disable the interface, or shut down the VM and remove the NIC.

[andronikus]

Thank you