Specifications

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VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide
Using Serial Ports
The following sections describe how to use serial ports with GSX Server:
• Using a Serial Port on the Host Computer on page 296
• Using a File on the Host Computer on page 298
• Connecting an Application on the Host to a Virtual Machine on page 300
• Connecting Two Virtual Machines on page 303
• Special Configuration Options for Advanced Users on page 306
• Examples: Debugging over a Virtual Serial Port on page 307
A GSX Server virtual machine can use up to four virtual serial ports. The virtual serial
ports can be configured in several ways.
• You can connect a virtual serial port to a physical serial port on the host
computer.
• You can connect a virtual serial port to a file on the host computer.
• You can make a direct connection between two virtual machines or between a
virtual machine and an application running on the host computer.
You can also select whether to connect the virtual serial port when you power on the
virtual machine.
Using a Serial Port on the Host Computer
You can set up the virtual serial port in a virtual machine to use a physical serial port
on the host computer. This is useful, for example, if you want to use an external
modem or a hand-held device in your virtual machine.
To install a virtual serial port that connects to a physical serial port on the host
computer, take the following steps with the virtual machine powered off. You can add
the device from the console or from the management interface.
Adding a Serial Port from the Console
1. Open the virtual machine settings editor (choose VM > Settings).
2. Click Add to start the Add Hardware Wizard.