How do you get a VirtualBox VM to use a MAC address that is unique from the host machine?

Question

Hello,
I have a virtual machine that is set up in VirtualBox. When I look at its IP and MAC addresses within the VM, they are unique from the host. Communication on the local network works as well- the VM can access network resources.

The problem lies in that it does not show up in my router. My router appears to associate the hostnames of computers with the MAC addresses. When I look at the router's arp table, it has the same MAC address listed for both the VM and the host machine that it is on. I have tried several different settings within the VM network adapter settings- Bridged, Host-only adapter, and Internal network. This has not changed the fact that the router still associates the VM and its host machine with the same MAC address. (Remember the VM does state a unique MAC, it just uses the host's MAC address since it sends IP traffic out the host's NIC.

Is there a way to change this? I cannot see my VM in my router's settings, only the host, because of this.

If I need to be clearer on the issue or anything at all, let me know.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

The Media Access Control Address (MAC) is a physical address that the router uses to locate and direct traffic to. The MAC of the Virtual Machine is only virtual. Physically that machine is only accessible through the host computer. Therefore the MAC address of the virtual machine on the router will always been the same as the host address.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

How do you get a VirtualBox VM to use a MAC address that is unique from the host machine?

Hello,

I have a virtual machine that is set up in VirtualBox. When I look at its IP and MAC addresses within the VM, they are unique from the host. Communication on the local network works as well- the VM can access network resources.



The problem lies in that it does not show up in my router....

Answer 3

Virtualbox Mac Address

Answer 4

A virtual (not real) NIC is used. Check Device Manager. You WON'T see the virtual NIC