Easy non complicated way to create Network Bridge on Linux VMs / Hosts


jimbo45

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Hi folks

Happy XMAS all

Got fed up with turkey, booze etc etc so I thought I'd have another go at this -- trying to get Bridged networking to actually function decently on a Linux VM or Host.

It turned out a lot simpler than I thought.

BTW NEVER EVER BOTHER WITH REDDIT OR ANY SOLUTIONS THEY PROPOSE --IT'S A 100% MOST USELESS WEBSITE ON THE PLANET.


Anyway here it is (I'm on archlinux (but should work on any of the "Debian" types of derivatives).

ensure root -- best to do either su - or sudo - the reason for the minus sign after the su or sudo command - is you want to be root rather than a user with admin / su privileges -- otherwise the file gets created in your /home directory which means the system can't find the file when you want to start the bridge

initially just do su - and then enter password (don't forget the - sign after the su command)

nano br10.xml


<network>
<name>br10</name>
<forward mode='nat'>
<nat>
<port start='1024' end='65535'/>
</nat>
</forward>
<bridge name='br10' stp='on' delay='0'/>
<ip address='192.168.30.1' netmask='255.255.255.0'>
<dhcp>
<range start='192.168.30.50' end='192.168.30.200'/>
</dhcp>
</ip>
</network>

virsh net-define br10.xml
virsh net-start br10
virsh net-autostart br10

now you might need to change the ip address but dhcp should be able to manage that.

Then it all works -- no complex subnets / routing tables etc etc required.

On the host BR10 is up and running (note it's only UP once the VM is powered on).

Screenshot_20231225_164837.png

In the VM's config (Windows 11 pro)

Screenshot_20231225_165304.png

and in the guest

Screenshot_20231225_165818.png
IP address OK
Internet access OK -- pinged BBC
Guest<> Host communication OK
So "Alles in Ordnung" and problem solved.

Not complex at all -- no need for "Interfaces" -- etc etc.
I'm not a Network Guru so if I can do it --it must be simple.

Cheers everybody -- now for some nice Xmas booze !!!
jimbo
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
You could have just built your Network Bridge with a 1960's Erector Set. :D



Image1.jpg
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3527 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
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    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
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    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?

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