What do virtual machine network types control?
VM connectivity with internet, host, and other VMs.
Name common virtual network types.
NAT, Bridged, Host-only, Routed, Open.
Can a VM use multiple network adapters?
Yes, for combined networking modes.
What is NAT networking?
VM borrows host’s internet connection; external network sees only the host.
Why is NAT useful?
Simple and secure for testing environments; useful in enterprise labs or when external access isn’t needed.
Does NAT require additional hypervisor configuration?
No, but port forwarding is needed for inbound access.
Is NAT suitable for hosting externally accessible services?
No.
What is bridged networking?
VM is placed directly on the physical network and gets its own IP address.
Why use bridged networking?
Suitable for simulating production environments and testing production-level services.
What is a risk of bridged networking?
Security risk if misconfigured or exposed; should be secured like a physical machine.
What is host-only networking?
VM can only communicate with host and other VMs in Host-only mode; no internet or LAN access.
When is host-only networking ideal?
For isolated software testing, internal service simulation, training, and internal labs.
Does host-only networking expose VMs to external threats?
No, but cannot connect to update servers or external services.
What is routed mode networking?
VM accesses external networks through a virtual router allowing custom routing rules.
Why use routed mode?
Useful for testing segmented networks or DMZ simulations.
What is a risk of routed mode?
Misconfiguration can lead to unintended traffic exposure; best for experienced admins.
What is open networking (promiscuous mode)?
VM can view and interact with all network traffic; used in advanced labs like penetration testing.
Why is open networking risky?
High risk if compromised; can snoop on traffic or affect network security.
How should open networking be managed?
Should be tightly controlled or restricted in enterprise environments.