Networking configurations

Three types of networking configurations are available in VMware Player: bridged networking, NAT networking, and host-only networking. You cannot configure custom networking in VMware Player, but you can run virtual machines created in VMware Workstation with custom networking configured.

Bridged networking

A virtual machine is connected to a network by using the network adapter on the host system. If the host system is on a network, this networking configuration is often the easiest way to give your virtual machine access to the network. A bridged network (VMnet0) is set up for you when you install VMware Player.

NAT networking

A virtual machine does not have its own IP address on the external network. Instead, a separate private network is set up on the host system and a virtual machine gets an IP address on this private network from the virtual DHCP server. The virtual machine and the host system share a single network identity that is not visible on the external network.

A NAT network (VMnet8) is set up for you when you install VMware Player. You can have only one NAT network.

Host-Only networking

A network that is completely contained within the host computer is created. This networking configuration provides a network connection between the virtual machine and the host system by using a virtual network adapter that is visible on the host operating system.

A host-only network (VMnet1) is set up for you when you install VMware Player.