Windows Server 2022 & Powershell All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 3

Virtual Networking

IN THIS CHAPTER

Categorizing virtual switches

Understanding how to create a virtual switch

Digging deeper with Hyper-V networking

One of the most foundational topics when you’re learning about virtual machines (VMs) and Hyper-V is virtual networking. Virtual networking can be a difficult shift for those who are used to physical network equipment. Virtual networking not only requires changing the way that things are done, but also opens the door for so many more possibilities.

For example, in the past, when you got a new physical server, you needed someone to configure a switch port for your server, and then someone had to run the cables. With Hyper-V virtual switches, that need is taken out of the equation — you can simply assign a VM to a virtual switch, and Hyper-V handles a lot of the configuration for you. You can get into the weeds if you want to, of course, but you don’t have to.

The virtual switch in Hyper-V allows VMs to communicate with each other, with the host system they’re on, and with systems that are on other networks.

In this chapter, I introduce you to virtual networking in Hyper-V, fill you in on the types of virtual switches, and ...