Networking configurations overview

Three types of networking configurations are available in VMware Workstation Player: bridged networking, NAT networking, and host-only networking. It is also possible to create custom virtual networks.

Bridged networking
A virtual machine is connected to a network using the network adapter on the host system. If the host system is on a local network, this networking configuration is often the easiest way to give your virtual machine access to it. A bridged network (VMnet0) is set up for you when you install 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 the 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 Player. You can have only a single 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 when you install Player.