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Configuring Network Connections 7
Player provides bridged networking, network address translation (NAT), and host-only networking to
configure a virtual machine for virtual networking. The software that you need for all networking
configurations is installed on the host system when you install Player.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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“Understanding Virtual Networking Components,” on page 99
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“Understanding Common Networking Configurations,” on page 100
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“Configuring Bridged Networking,” on page 101
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“Configuring Network Address Translation,” on page 102
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“Configuring Host-Only Networking,” on page 102
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“Changing a Networking Configuration,” on page 104
Understanding Virtual Networking Components
The virtual networking components in Player include virtual switches, virtual network adapters, the virtual
DHCP server, and the NAT device.
Virtual Switches
Like a physical switch, a virtual switch connects networking components together. Virtual switches, which are
also referred to as virtual networks, are named VMnet0, VMnet1, VMnet2, and so on. A few virtual switches
are mapped to specific networks by default.
Table 7-1. Default Virtual Network Switches
Network Type Switch Name
Bridged VMnet0
NAT VMnet8
Host-only VMnet1
Player creates virtual switches as needed, up to 10 virtual switches on a Windows host system and up to 255
virtual switches on a Linux host system. You can connect an unlimited number of virtual network devices to
a virtual switch on a Windows host system and up to 32 virtual network devices to a virtual switch on a Linux
host system.
NOTE On Linux host systems, the virtual switch names are in all lowercase letters, for example, vmnet0.
VMware, Inc.
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