How to Set a Static IP for Ubuntu Server in VirtualBox

So you’re stuck with setting a static IP for your Ubuntu Server running in VirtualBox? I totally get it, it can be a bit overwhelming. Let’s break this down step by step.

Switching to Bridged Adapter

First off, yeah, switching to Bridged Adapter mode is usually the way to go if you want your server to have a static IP that other devices on your network can reach. To do this:

1. Shut down your Ubuntu Server.
2. Open VirtualBox and select your VM.
3. Go to Settings > Network.
4. Select the adapter you are using (usually Adapter 1) and change it to Bridged Adapter.
5. Make sure to select your actual network interface (like Wi-Fi or Ethernet) from the dropdown.

Once you’ve done that, fire up your VM again.

Editing the Netplan File

Now, to set the static IP, you need to modify the netplan configuration file. Here’s how you do it:

1. Open your terminal in Ubuntu.
2. Type sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml (the file name may vary, just look for a .yaml file).
3. Here’s an example of what you might put in there:

network:
  version: 2
  ethernets:
    enp0s3:                # Replace with your interface name (find it using 'ip a')
      dhcp4: no
      addresses: [192.168.1.100/24]  # Your desired static IP
      gateway4: 192.168.1.1         # Your router's IP
      nameservers:
          addresses: [8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4]  # Google DNS; you can also use your router's IP
    

Remember to adjust the interface name (like enp0s3) and the IPs to match your setup.

Applying Changes

Once you’ve set this up, save and exit the editor (in nano, you can do this with CTRL + X, then Y to confirm, and Enter to save).

Now, run sudo netplan apply to apply the changes.

Avoiding IP Conflicts

To avoid IP conflicts, make sure to choose an IP that’s outside the DHCP range of your router. You can check that by logging into your router’s interface, usually at something like 192.168.1.1 in your web browser. Just assign something like 192.168.1.100 or higher (if that’s not already used).

Ensuring Settings Persist

If you save the settings in the netplan file correctly and apply them, your static IP should stick after reboots. If it doesn’t, double-check your netplan configuration file and make sure you didn’t miss any syntax errors.

Summary

To recap:

• Switch to Bridged Adapter in VirtualBox.
• Edit the netplan file with your static IP details.
• Run sudo netplan apply.
• Choose an IP outside of your router’s DHCP range.

Good luck, and don’t hesitate to ask for more help if you need it! You got this!