How to use VirtualBox to emulate a network
VirtualBox is an open-source virtual machine manager and hypervisor that may also be used as a network emulator. 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 works on the major computing platforms: Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
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. 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.
Required knowledge
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. 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.
If you need to refresh your knowledge about VirtualBox, the VirtualBox website provides a detailed user manual, and Continue reading