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Asked: 2024-09-27T00:03:39+05:30 In:

What steps do I need to follow to set up a static IP address in Ubuntu when it’s running inside a VirtualBox environment?

I’m currently deep in the trenches of setting up a virtual machine using VirtualBox, and I’ve hit a snag that I could really use some help with. So, here’s the situation: I’m running Ubuntu inside the VirtualBox environment, and I really want to set up a static IP address for my virtual machine.

Initially, I was just trying out some cool new apps and tools, but I noticed that having a static IP would make my life a whole lot easier, especially for things like SSH access and configuring services that depend on a consistent IP address. But man, the internet has thrown so much info at me, and honestly, it’s a lot to take in!

I’ve gone through a few tutorials, but they all seem a bit different from each other, and I’m not sure which steps are essential and which ones I might be missing. Like, do I need to change settings in VirtualBox itself, or is it all done within Ubuntu? I did some poking around in the network settings, but I’m getting overwhelmed with the various options available.

Part of me feels like I’m missing some super simple step that everyone else seems to breeze through. I’ve heard people talking about editing the Netplan configuration and changing DHCP settings, but then there’s also the part where I need to make sure my VirtualBox network adapter is set up correctly, right?

If anyone could break it down for me in a straightforward way, I’d really appreciate it. What exactly are the steps I need to follow to make sure my Ubuntu VM can have a static IP? Any tips or a step-by-step guide would be awesome! I’m all ears for any potential pitfalls to look out for too, so I don’t end up causing more headaches in the long run. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers

    1. To set up a static IP address for your Ubuntu virtual machine in VirtualBox, you’ll need to follow a series of steps that involve both VirtualBox settings and Ubuntu configuration. First, ensure your VirtualBox network adapter is set to use a suitable mode. For most cases, the “Bridged Adapter” mode works well, as it allows your VM to be part of your local network (just like any other physical device). This setup lets your VM get IP addresses from your local DHCP server, which you can then use to configure a static IP in Ubuntu. Open the settings for your VM in VirtualBox, go to the “Network” tab, and select “Bridged Adapter.” Choose the appropriate network interface you want to bridge from the dropdown, then start your VirtualBox VM.

      Once your Ubuntu VM is running, you’ll need to adjust the network settings within the operating system. If you’re using a modern version of Ubuntu (17.10 or later), you’ll use Netplan for network configurations. Open the terminal and edit the Netplan configuration file by running `sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml` (the filename might differ based on your system). In this file, you’ll define your static IP settings like this:

      network:
  version: 2
  renderer: networkd
  ethernets:
    enp0s3:  # Replace this with your network interface name
      dhcp4: no
      addresses:
        - 192.168.1.100/24  # Replace with your desired static IP
      gateway4: 192.168.1.1  # Replace with your network's gateway
      nameservers:
        addresses:
          - 8.8.8.8  # Google's public DNS
          - 8.8.4.4

      After editing, save the file and apply the changes with `sudo netplan apply`. It’s crucial to ensure your chosen static IP is outside the DHCP range to avoid conflicts. For additional reliability, you might want to set a static route in your router, if possible. By following these steps, you should have a working static IP for your Ubuntu VM, making SSH access and service configurations much simpler!






    2. Setting Up Static IP on Ubuntu VM


      Setting Up a Static IP for Your Ubuntu VM in VirtualBox

      Alright, let’s tackle this step-by-step, keeping it as simple as possible!

      Step 1: VirtualBox Network Adapter Settings

      First, you need to make sure your VM’s network adapter is set up correctly in VirtualBox.

      1. With your VM powered off, open VirtualBox and select your VM.
      2. Click on Settings > Network.
      3. Choose the adapter (usually Adapter 1) and make sure it’s enabled.
      4. Select Bridged Adapter from the “Attached to” dropdown.
      5. In the “Name” dropdown, select your physical network interface (like your Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

      This way, your VM will be on the same network as your host machine.

      Step 2: Getting the Current IP Address

      Now, boot up your Ubuntu VM. Open a terminal and type this command to see your current IP:

      ip addr

      Look for something like inet under the network interface (e.g., enp0s3). This will have a format like 192.168.x.x.

      Step 3: Configuring Static IP with Netplan

      Next, we’ll edit the Netplan configuration file:

      1. In the terminal, type:

        2. sudo nano /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml

      2. This file might have a different name, so if you don’t see it, run ls /etc/netplan to check.
      3. Now, you’ll see a YAML file. You’ll need to edit it to look something like this:
      network:
    version: 2
    ethernets:
        enp0s3:  # <-- use your actual interface name
            dhcp: no
            addresses: [192.168.x.y/24]  # <-- replace with your desired static IP
            gateway: 192.168.x.1  # <-- usually your router's IP
            nameservers:
                addresses: [8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4]  # <-- Google DNS

      After editing, press CTRL + X, then Y, and hit Enter to save.

      Step 4: Apply Your Changes

      Now, apply your changes with:

      sudo netplan apply

      Step 5: Check Your New IP Address

      Finally, run ip addr again to see if your IP has been set to the static address you configured!

      Potential Pitfalls

      • Make sure the IP you choose isn't already in use on the network.
      • Keep an eye on the YAML formatting—spacing is crucial.
      • If you have trouble connecting after the setup, check your router settings too.

      And that's it! Giving your VM a static IP will definitely make things smoother, especially for SSH and services that need a stable address. Good luck, and feel free to ask if you hit any other snags!


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