Hyper-V Network Switches: Choosing the Right One for Your Setup

Since the first version of the Hyper-V server, back in 2008, the networking within the product has remained consistent. It operates in the same way. There are three available virtual switches: private, internal, and external. Each of these switches provides a different type of connectivity. The same concept applies to any version of the Hyper-V server, including the Hyper-V client on Windows 8 and later versions.

Private network switch

The private switch allows communication only between virtual machines hosted on the Hyper-V host. All VMs must be assigned to the private switch to communicate with each other. You will need to manually define IP addresses on the VMs unless one of the VMs is acting as a DHCP server. The VMs cannot communicate with the host or the rest of the network.

Internal network switch

The internal switch allows communication between virtual machines and the Hyper-V host. Once you create an internal switch, Hyper-V will create a new network card on your Hyper-V server where you will need to enter an IP address. You will also need to do the same on the VM so that both the VM and Hyper-V are in the same network and subnet. Your VM cannot communicate with other VMs or the rest of the network.

Read this article for the differences between private, internal, and external virtual network switches and assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.