Basic Virtual Network on a Single System (System Administration Guide: Network Interfaces and Network Virtualization)

System Administration Guide: Network Interfaces and Network Virtualization

Basic Virtual Network on a Single System

Figure 10–1 shows the basic virtual network, or “network in a box” that is used in examples throughout the section Configuring a Basic Virtual Network.

Figure 10–1 Virtual Network on a Single Host

The figure is described in the following context.

This virtual network consists of the following:

A single GLDv3 network interface e1000g0. This interface connects to the public network 192.168.3.0/24. Interface e1000g0 has the IP address 192.168.3.70.
A virtual switch, which is automatically configured when you create the first VNIC.
Two VNICs. vnic1 has the IP address 192.168.3.20, and vnic2 has the IP address 192.168.3.22.
Two exclusive IP zones. zone1 is configured over vnic1, and zone2 is configured over vnic2.

Note –
Though the example uses exclusive IP zones, you can also use other types of virtual machines such as LDOMS in this scenario.

The VNICs and zones in this configuration allow access to the public. Therefore, the zones can pass traffic beyond the e1000g0 interface. Likewise, users on external networks can reach applications and services offered by the zones.

Best Uses for the Basic Virtual Network

The network in a box scenario enables you to isolate processes and applications into individual virtual machines or zones on a single host. Furthermore, this scenario is expandable to include many containers, each of which could run a completely isolated set of applications. The scenario improves a system's efficiency and, by extension, the efficiency of the local network. Therefore, this scenario is ideal for the following users:

Network consolidators and others who want to consolidate the services of a LAN onto a single system.
Any site that rents out services to customers. You can rent out individual zones or virtual machines, observe traffic, and take statistics for performance measuring or for billing purposes on each zone in the virtual network.
Any administrator who wants to isolate processes and applications to separate containers to improve system efficiency .

For More Information

For tasks that implement the basic virtual network, go to Configuring a Basic Virtual Network.
For examples that show how to configure the virtual network shown in this section, go to Configuring a Basic Virtual Network.
For conceptual information about VNICs and virtual networks, go to Network Virtualization and Virtual Networks.
For conceptual information about zones, go to Chapter 16, Introduction to Solaris Zones, in System Administration Guide: Virtualization Using the Solaris Operating System.