Network: Host interface mode like actual hw?

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Linux hosts.
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csavery
Posts: 16
Joined: 5. Feb 2008, 07:53

Network: Host interface mode like actual hw?

Post by csavery »

Hello VB gurus,

From what I understand when using "host interface" networking it is like assigning the actual driver to a guest for direct use. So I have a couple questions about this.

Does it follow that the guest then has to have specific driver support for the actual network hardware and that you install and configure it in the guest as you would if it were standalone?

How close can the guest interact with driver specific options and modes?

I am wanting to use a guest under Ubuntu to develop a wireless access point "machine". So I would need to use AP / Master mode on the interface and the software running in the guest would need to control the interface in ways specific to the hardware as many wireless interfaces do not support some modes like this.

Is such control possible in this mode or in any way with virtual box?

The ability to develop an AP machine like this would be tremendous for me and allow me later to move it intact onto real hardware with the same wireless interface and hit the ground running.

Any input here would be very helpful. Thanks for your time.

Chris :)
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Sasquatch
Volunteer
Posts: 17798
Joined: 17. Mar 2008, 13:41
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux
Location: /dev/random

Re: Network: Host interface mode like actual hw?

Post by Sasquatch »

No, the VM still doesn't see the actual interface. VB uses a module/driver (depending on the Host) to access the device. It still needs a virtual adapter for the Guest. If you want to use a wireless NIC with Master mode, use a USB device and give it to the VM. Or run the OS and test software directly on the hardware.
Read the Forum Posting Guide before opening a topic.
VirtualBox FAQ: Check this before asking questions.
Online User Manual: A must read if you want to know what we're talking about.
Howto: Install Linux Guest Additions
Howto: Use Shared Folders on Linux Guest
See the Tutorials and FAQ section at the top of the Forum for more guides.
Try searching the forums first with Google and add the site filter for this forum.
E.g. install guest additions site:forums.virtualbox.org

Retired from this Forum since OSSO introduction.
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csavery
Posts: 16
Joined: 5. Feb 2008, 07:53

Re: Network: Host interface mode like actual hw?

Post by csavery »

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately there are very few or no USB dongles with Master mode. I've searched quite extensively. Sometimes you can find one but then there isn't linux driver support for the feature.
It's too bad there isn't a way to pass a (non-virtual) driver interface directly to a VM.

I'm back to my original plan. Have the configure script run on the host set up the device and then just route any traffic to the VM. I can develop on the host but it would have been nice to have the insulation and snapshot abilities of a guest.

Chris :)
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