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A bridged network configuration is designed specifically to enable virtual machines (VMs) to connect to the same network as the virtualization host. In this setup, the VM effectively becomes just another endpoint on the physical network, sharing the network interface of the host machine. This allows the VM to communicate with other devices on the network as if it were a physical machine itself.
This configuration supports operations such as obtaining an IP address from a DHCP server on the network and facilitates direct communication between the VM and other devices, including accessing services and resources just like any other machine connected to the same network segment. This capability is essential for tasks such as testing and development, where VMs require full network integration to properly simulate real-world environments.
In contrast, the other types of networks mentioned do not allow the same level of integration with the host's network. For instance, a host-only network is limited to communication between the VM and the host, while an internal network restricts communication to VMs only, cutting them off from the host and external networks. An isolated network also prevents communication with both the host and the outside network, making them entirely self-contained. These configurations are useful for specific use cases but do not facilitate the same kind of network connectivity that a brid