Host and Guest on Different Networks

This is for discussing general topics about how to use VirtualBox.
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Cambo
Posts: 1
Joined: 29. Mar 2012, 20:41

Host and Guest on Different Networks

Post by Cambo »

Hi

I've scoured the Google and VB forums, but either I'm not using the right keyword or the topic doesn't exist.

I have a Windows 7 guest, which is using a wireless network. The wireless network is using an outside, non-corporate network.

I would like to connect an ethernet cable to the Windows 7 laptop, and assign that ethernet adapter to a VM. That ethernet cable would be connected to my work's LAN. However, doing this straight out of the box would bridge the wireless and LAN networks. NOT a desirable outcome.

So, is there a way I can connect the ethernet cable to the laptop, however have that ethernet adapter ONLY accessible to the VM, and not the Windows 7 host? In essence, all of the laptop's traffic uses the wireless adapter, but the VM uses the ethernet adapter?

I know you can do this in VMWare Workstation with virtual networks. Just wondering if I can with VB.
Thanks in advance.
Cambo.
BillG
Volunteer
Posts: 5106
Joined: 19. Sep 2009, 04:44
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Windows 10,7 and earlier
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Host and Guest on Different Networks

Post by BillG »

It is pretty easy if the host is running a Windows OS. For a guest to use a NIC all you need is the VirtualBox bridged networking driver active. From the host OS you go to the NIC properties and clear all the checkboxes except that one. The host has no way to access this NIC.

To reserve a NIC for the host, do the opposite. Clear the bridged networking driver box so a vm cannot use this NIC.

I permanently run my desktop like this. One NIC is reserved for the host and one for the vms.

Here is a link to view an screenshot on my skydrive. http://preview.tinyurl.com/twonics
Bill
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