Specifications

Virtual Network Adapters
When you use the New Virtual Machine wizard to create a new virtual machine, the wizard creates a virtual
network adapter for the virtual machine. The virtual network adapter appears in the guest operating system
as an AMD PCNET PCI adapter or Intel Pro/1000 MT Server Adapter. In Windows Vista, Windows 7, and
Windows 8 guest operating systems, it is an Intel Pro/1000 MT Server Adapter.
Player 3.x and later virtual machines can have up to 10 virtual network adapters.
Virtual DHCP Server
The virtual Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server provides IP addresses to virtual machines
in configurations that are not bridged to an external network. For example, the virtual DHCP server assigns
IP addresses to virtual machines in host-only and NAT configurations.
NAT Device
In a NAT configuration, the NAT device passes network data between one or more virtual machines and the
external network, identifies incoming data packets intended for each virtual machine, and sends them to the
correct destination.
Understanding Common Networking Configurations
You can configure bridged networking, NAT, and host-only networking for virtual machines. You can also
use the virtual networking components to create sophisticated custom virtual networks.
Creating custom networks is available only on virtual machines that are created in Workstation. Although
you cannot configure custom networking in Player, you can run a virtual machine that has custom
networking in Player.
Bridged Networking
Bridged networking connects a virtual machine to a network by using the network adapter on the host
system. If the host system is on a network, bridged networking is often the easiest way to give the virtual
machine access to that network.
When you install Player on a Windows or Linux host system, a bridged network (VMnet0) is set up for you.
NAT Networking
With NAT, a virtual machine does not have its own IP address on the external network. Instead, a separate
private network is set up on the host system. In the default configuration, a virtual machine gets an address
on this private network from the virtual DHCP server. The virtual machine and the host system share a
single network identity that is not visible on the external network.
When you install Player on a Windows or Linux host system, a NAT network (VMnet8) is set up for you.
When you use the New Virtual Machine wizard to create a new virtual machine and select the typical
configuration type, the wizard configures the virtual machine to use the default NAT network.
You can have only one NAT network.
Getting Started with VMware Player
106 VMware, Inc.