With Fusion Pro, you can add additional custom host-only private virtual networks (vmnet) configurations to only allow communication between virtual machines and the host system.

Multiple virtual machines configured with this type of host-only networking are on the same network. The VMware DHCP server can provide addresses on the network.

You might want to set up multiple private networks on the same computer in the following situations:

  • To have two virtual machines connected to one private network, and other virtual machines connected to another private network to isolate the network traffic on each network.
  • To test routing between two virtual networks.
  • To test a virtual machine that has multiple network interface cards, without using any physical network adapters.

Prerequisites

  • Verify that you know the administrator password.

Procedure

  1. Select VMware Fusion > Preferences and click Network.
  2. Click the lock icon, type the administrator password, and click OK.
  3. Click the plus sign (+) under the list of networks.
  4. (Optional) If you want to rename a virtual network, double-click the name, enter a new name, and press the Return key.
  5. Verify that the following check box is not selected: Allow virtual machines on this network to connect to external networks (using NAT).
  6. (Optional) To connect a physical network on the host system to this private network, select Connect the host Mac to this network.
    Note: The Connect the host Mac to this network check box is not available for Fusion 12.1.2 and earlier on MacOS Big Sur hosts.
  7. (Optional) To use a local DHCP service to distribute IP addresses to virtual machines on the network, select Provide addresses on this network via DHCP.
    Note: The DHCP check box is not available for Fusion 12.1.2 and earlier on MacOS Big Sur hosts.
  8. (Optional) To change the subnet IP address or subnet mask, modify the addresses in the Subnet IP and Subnet Mask text boxes.
  9. (Optional) To configure jumbo frame, select Custom from the MTU drop-down menu and enter a value between 72 bytes and 9194 bytes in the text box.
    Note: The jumbo frame feature is not available for Fusion 12.1.2 and earlier on MacOS Big Sur hosts.
  10. Click Apply.

Results

The network that you configured is now available to the virtual network adapters associated with virtual machines on your Mac.