Networking Virtual Machines: Best Practices

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Standard methods for networking multiple Virtual Machines (VMs) include utilizing virtual switches and network configurations like Bridged, NAT, and Host-only setups. Each VM can be assigned a Network Interface Card (NIC) and connected to a virtual network, allowing them to communicate and share resources, such as Active Directory, similar to physical machines. VMs can be added to a domain, enabling them to access domain resources and be recognized as computers within that domain. It's essential for each VM to have a unique IP address and computer name to avoid conflicts. Using a bridged adapter may be necessary in certain configurations to ensure proper network access. Overall, placing VMs in the same domain facilitates resource sharing and communication effectively.
WWGD
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Hi just curious,
Are there standard methods for putting several Virtual Machines in a network?
 
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Do you mean like Docker containers?
 
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jedishrfu said:
Do you mean like Docker containers?
Thanks, not sure exactly, but I am just looking to have them be able to share resources (I am thinking mostly Active Directory) and communicate with each other in general, as standard physical machines do.
 
There are three types of virtual networks: Bridged, NAT, and Host-only. When you create a new VM or add a NIC to an existing VM, you assign the NIC(s) to a virtual network, thereby giving it access to any other VMs configured on the same network.
 
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WWGD said:
Thanks, not sure exactly, but I am just looking to have them be able to share resources (I am thinking mostly Active Directory) and communicate with each other in general, as standard physical machines do.

Yes. You can put a VM on a network assuming the VM has access to a NIC card. That VM could be added to the domain, and you could log into that VM using accounts in the active directory for that domain. If you looked for computers on your domain, you would also find your VM. That VM would be able to access whatever resources a physical computer on that domain could access. It would be for all intents and purposes, just another computer on the domain.

There ARE differences. But, for the scope of your question - they aren't relevant.
 
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Thanks all, it seems like just moving all VMs into the same domain has done the job.
 
VMs are supposed to be agnostic to the hardware they are running on. As long as their ips are different, there should be no issue. Sometimes you'll have to use a bridged adapter through the host though.
 
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newjerseyrunner said:
VMs are supposed to be agnostic to the hardware they are running on. As long as their ips are different, there should be no issue. Sometimes you'll have to use a bridged adapter through the host though.
Thanks, Runner. Does the idea of having them in the same domain ( in windows) work in general too?
 
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WWGD said:
Thanks, Runner. Does the idea of having them in the same domain ( in windows) work in general too?
Yeah, part of my job is to manage some of my companies windows servers. I've virtualized all of them and they're all on the same domain.

As long as they each have their own ip and computer name. Ip you set in network and sharing, right click on the connection, properties, IPv4, properties. The computer name, right click on my computer and a select properties.
 
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