virtualbox.org

I have a few linux guests I use for server dev/testing. They are configured for Host Networking so they look like additional machines on my network. This works fine as long as I am plugged into my network and my router is working. I can connect to and use these guest servers fine.

Now when I disconnect from my LAN and run independently these guest machines are no longer routed. Iexpect this since my router is no longer connected.

My host machine is Ubuntu 8.10 and is a notebook.
When I disconnect and work offline I would like to continue to connect to my guests without having to re-configure them all and add NAT routing etc. to the guests.

What I am looking for is the commands I need to run to allow my machine to route these guests on it's own.
I'm pretty sure there is a way to do this - a basic config for my linux host to route it's own virtual interfaces.
Any ideas on commands? I have good network skills but not enough to know the right route/forwarding to enable this.

Thanks!

Answering my own question: it appears that the new 2.2 release yesterday makes this very easy.
The new "Host Only" connects guests to the Host via a new interface and does exactly what I want.
So when disconnecting for local offline use I can simply change my /etc/hosts file to use an internal ip for these vm. Then use a VBoxManage command to alter the network mode of the guest.
I have to say Thank You to Sun (et al) that they are continually improving the ease and functionality of VB.
Excellent.