virtualbox.org

I'm in the position to test a network connection where I'd like to provide DHCP services from within a virtual machine. The virtual machine will connect to the host through a host-only network. I'd like the host-only network on the host side to act as the DHCP client. Is it possible to have that capability added?
The application is to develop a firewall/router appliance whereby the virtual appliance will bridge to a physical network interface to obtain dhcp information on its WAN side, then provide firewall/dhcp/nat/routing on its LAN side, and the host computer would simply supply the physical path to the network without ever becoming a dhcp client on the physical network. Essentially, I could drop this appliance on any operating system, break the OS layer3 connection, and easily implement my custom security appliance for all host activity.
Is there an easier way to accomplish the same task that I'm perhaps just overlooking? I've made a demo of this configuration, but I'd prefer not to have to statically assign DNS and routes and IP addresses after each host reboot.

As this is more of a technical question rather than a suggestion, moved to using VirtualBox.

I guess I'm asking if there's a better way, but if not, I think it might still be a feature request. I'm just saying I couldn't find a better way if there is one, so maybe the feature should be added??

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

I can't be the first to try something like this...