copying data between VM using Virtual network ?

[lexum]

Hello,

I need to rsync data between 2 VM. Is-it possible to avoid the real network layer and doing this inside the virtual network (both VM are connected to the same virtual switch) ?

I suppose this technique would be faster then using the physical network.

Regards,

[AWo]

Yes, that should work, as the virtual network behavior is just like a physical network, except that you don't cross any cable. Even if the virtual switch is connected to a physical NIC, the traffic for a second guest connected to the same virtual switch shouldn't use the physics.

AWo

[ctfoster · Accepted solution]

You cant really avoid the network stack on each VM - the data will move up and down each one. However the data doesn't go anywhere near the pNIc and certainly not onto the network but moves across memory constucts in the vmkernel that mimics a switching operation. This is true so long as both VM's are part of same portgroup and no routing is required that send the packets out over the pNIc.