Only a single VM can use host interface networking at a time

[The Metatron]

Hello,

I installed VirtualBox 1.6.0 on my Arch Linux host, and have been successfully using it.

I configured a host interface (bridging) so that my guest OSes would be able to see the other machines in the LAN (my network card connects to a router).

It works OK as long as I start only one VM, but when I try to start a second VM it fails with error VBox status code: -3100 (VERR_HOSTIF_INIT_FAILED).

This makes VirtualBox less useful for me, as I need multiple VMs running to test network environments.

How can I fix this?

Thanks.

[Sasquatch]

You need a separate Host Interface for each VM you want to run at the same time. If you created only one Host Interface, create more and select those in the settings of each VM. So VM1 will have vbox0, VM2 will have vbox1 and so on.

[CaptainFlint]

So, if I have 20 VMs, I have to create 20 Host Interfaces to be sure that I'm able to run every 2 machines simultaneously? What's the reason of such design? For example, Parallels Workstation needs only 1 single Loopback adapter, and all virtual machines can be connected to it and work together. That's one of the few points that really disappoints me in VirtualBox…

[DracoZA]

You need x amount of interfaces for however many concurrent virtual machines you are going to run. If you only run one at a time then change the interface name before you connect if you dont want to create additional interfaces.

[CaptainFlint]

If you only run one at a time then change the interface name before you connect if you dont want to create additional interfaces.

If the machine in the saved state (and most of them usually are), it's impossible to change the network interface.

[DracoZA]

If that is your scenario, then create enough interfaces for each machine.

[The Metatron]

If that is your scenario, then create enough interfaces for each machine.

This does it, I guess. Thank you.