Each VM needs to be set up with network interfaces and connected to VirtualBox internal networks to create a network topology. The network topology you will create is shown in the figure below: Once the network topology and IP network design is defined, build configuration plans (see the tables I use later in this post) and set up and debug the emulated network.Ĭreate a small network of three routers, each of which is connected to a PC. Plan how you will manage the emulated nodes. VirtualBox does not have a drag-and-drop graphical user interface for creating networks of virtual machines so you must draw the network using another tool such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Visio, or open-source alternatives like LibreOffice Draw or Dia - or even pencil and paper.ĭetermine which nodes and ports connect to which networks before you start creating virtual machines. To build the emulated network, first create a network plan you can follow.

Installing dCore Linux in a VirtualBox VM.

Installing Debian Linux in a VirtualBox VM.

If you need to refresh your knowledge about VirtualBox, the VirtualBox website provides a detailed user manual, and I have written a few posts featuring VirtualBox. I also assume you have a basic understanding of Linux shell commands, which will be needed to configure the Linux operating system running on the virtual routers and PCs. I assume you, the reader, are already familiar with the VirtualBox GUI and have used it to create and run virtual machines on your personal computer, using default settings.

This tutorial will utilize some of the advanced functions supported by VirtualBox and provide you with the skills to set up a network of virtual machines on your own personal computer. In this post, I offer a step-by-step tutorial showing how to use the VirtualBox graphical user interface to set up a network of six devices: three routers and three PCs. VirtualBox works on the major computing platforms: Windows, MacOS, and Linux. In addition to creating and managing individual virtual machines, VirtualBox can connect virtual machines together to emulate a network of computers and network appliances such as routers or servers. VirtualBox is an open-source virtual machine manager and hypervisor that may also be used as a network emulator.

Virtualbox