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Table Of Contents
Network Virtual Machine Configuration
ESXi networking features provide communication between virtual machines on the same host, between
virtual machines on different hosts, and between other virtual and physical machines. The networking
features also allow management of ESXi hosts and provide communication between VMkernel services
(NFS, iSCSI, or vSphere vMotion) and the physical network. When you configure networking for a virtual
machine, you select or change an adapter type, a network connection, and whether to connect the network
when the virtual machine powers on.
Change the Virtual Network Adapter (NIC) Configuration in the vSphere Client
You can change the power-on connection setting, the MAC address, and the network connection for the
virtual network adapter configuration for a virtual machine.
Prerequisites
Required Privileges:
n
Virtual machine.Configuration.Modify device settings for editing the MAC address and network.
n
Virtual machine.Interaction.Device connection for changing Connect and Connect at power on.
n
Network.Assign network
Procedure
1 In the vSphere Client inventory, right-click the virtual machine and select Edit Settings.
2 Click the Hardware tab and select the appropriate NIC in the Hardware list.
3 (Optional) To connect the virtual NIC when the virtual machine is powered on, select Connect at power
on.
4 (Optional) Click the blue information icon under DirectPath I/O to view details regarding the virtual
NIC's DirectPath I/O status and capability.
5 Select an option for MAC address configuration.
Option Description
Automatic
vSphere assigns a MAC address automatically.
Manual
Type the MAC address to use.
6 Configure the Network Connection for the virtual NIC.
Option Description
Standard settings
The virtual NIC connects to a standard or distributed port group. Select
the port group for the virtual NIC to connect to from the Network label
drop-down menu.
Advanced settings
The virtual NIC connects to a specific port on a vSphere distributed switch.
This option appears only when a vSphere distributed switch is available.
a Click Switch to advanced settings.
b Select a vSphere distributed switch for the virtual NIC to use from the
VDS drop-down menu.
c Type the Port ID of the distributed port for virtual NIC to connect to.
7 Click OK to save your changes.
Chapter 15 Configuring Virtual Machines in the vSphere Client
VMware, Inc. 153