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+--- Thread: How do you configure a virtual switch in Hyper-V? (/showthread.php?tid=757)
How do you configure a virtual switch in Hyper-V? - savas - 06-21-2020
Configuring a virtual switch in Hyper-V is one of those fundamental tasks that can make a big difference in how your virtual machines communicate with each other and the outside world.
First, you’ve got to fire up Hyper-V Manager. You can usually find it in the Start menu or by searching for "Hyper-V." Once you're in, you'll see a list of your Hyper-V hosts. Click on the one you’re working with.
Over on the right, there’s a column with a bunch of options. You want to look for "Virtual Switch Manager." It’s often tucked away in that right-hand pane. When you click on it, a new window opens up, and that's where the magic begins.
In the Virtual Switch Manager window, you’ll see a button that says "New virtual network switch." You'll want to click on that and decide which type of switch you need. There are three main options: External, Internal, and Private. If your VMs need internet access or need to talk to other devices on your physical network, you want an External switch. For simple VMs that only need to communicate with each other and the host, go for Internal. Private is almost like a secret club—only the VMs can talk to each other, completely isolating them from both the host and the external network.
After you choose the switch type, it's time to give it a name. Something straightforward like "ExternalSwitch" or "InternalSwitch" works just fine, but you can get creative if you feel like it. Once you’ve named it, there are a few additional settings to configure, especially if you went with an External switch. You’ll need to select the physical network adapter that your host uses to connect to the internet. Just pick the one that fits your needs best.
Now, here’s a little tip: if your network has a lot of traffic or if you’ve got specific requirements (like VLAN tagging), you can look deeper into the settings. You’ll find options for enabling VLAN identification and configuring bandwidth management, which can be super handy in busy environments.
Once you’re happy with the configuration, click on the OK button, and just like that, your virtual switch is up and running. It’s a good idea to check your VMs to make sure they’re connected to the right switch. Just go to the settings of each VM, look under the Network Adapter section, and make sure it’s linked to your shiny new switch.
And that’s pretty much it! With that, your virtual machines can chat with each other and the rest of your network. It’s a simple yet powerful way to streamline operations and keep everything connected in your virtual setup.
I hope my post was useful. Are you new to Hyper-V and do you have a good Hyper-V backup solution? See my other post