VirtualBox and it's own NIC question

[alizee]

I am thinking of running a router OS like Smoothwall or m0n0wall instead of using the router built into my Time Capsule. But, I don't necessarily want to add another computer to my network. I have a server (right now running WHS, but that may change) with an underused quad-core processor in it that very well could run one or many virtual machines. I think I'd like to use VirtualBox because I may run two VMs, and I think VMPlayer only allows one VM at a time.

My question is: if I add a NIC (or more), can that be used for just the VM? My main concern is security. I'd like Smoothwall (or whatever) to be my firewall, obviously to shield my server and other computers from the wild internet. But, if I run Smoothwall in a VM on my server, that would mean my server (and all my personal stuff) would be directly connected to the internet at large.

I'd also like to hear suggestions for VM software, if somebody has a better suggestion. The host OS will either be Windows or Linux, probably Fedora Core (the distro I'm most familiar with).

Thanks!

 

[Emulex]

esxi works great. you can use a smart switch with vlan's to handle everything through one nic. or use two nic's if you can't afford a decent switch with vlan capability (understandable they are not super cheap)

 

[alizee]

esxi works great. you can use a smart switch with vlan's to handle everything through one nic. or use two nic's if you can't afford a decent switch with vlan capability (understandable they are not super cheap)

I've looked into ESXi, but I'm not sure if it's exactly what I want. Unless you're running compatible hardware, it's almost like building a hackintosh. Can you tell me if ESXi supports Cool'n'Quiet?

I started looking at managed switches, but I think they're a little more than I need. I don't mind adding another NIC to the computer, I really only need 10/100 for my 15Mbps down speed, and I have a couple unused PCI slots to put that in (I wish motherboards came with only PCIe, although I think that's starting to happen more). Beyond the VLANs, what else could a managed switch do for me at home?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

My question is: if I add a NIC (or more), can that be used for just the VM?

Yes. Virtualbox supports this.

 

[alizee]

Yes. Virtualbox supports this.

In a secure way? Will it leave the host open to any (known) vulnerabilities?

 

[Jimmah]

I know you don't want to add another pc, it is understandable (I have 8 on the go here, don't want any more). That aside, you can make some pretty low-power low-profile machines with old Via Epia hardware, usually very cheap as that old gear is getting hard to find uses for these days. Hit up a swap meet and grab an old toaster, shoehorn that jazz into it and bam you've got a sweet handbuilt router for under 50-100$.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

In a secure way? Will it leave the host open to any (known) vulnerabilities?

Not afaik - the host ignores the NIC completely, VBox just takes it over.