NAT versus SHARED?

BRIDGET versus SHARED?

I do not really understand what the differences between these two are or (more important) hy I should select one above the other?

I am not asking for a detailed technical information but am only interested in the daily practical things. So as to know which one I can best choose by default and a short why.

Any explanation is appreciated.

 

macgebruiker,

Parallels Shared Networking mode is actually a friendly name for NAT (Network Address Translation) Networking. The term NAT appears in "Parallels NAT" configuration in OSX network preferences, in all other cases Shared should be used. Can you please point me where exactly (and in which version of Parallels) things are confusing?

 

I am terribly sorry!

I meant "Bridget Ethernet" versus "Shared networking" (btw I use 3106 Beta 3).


PS: I tried to change the subject but that does not work.

 

I to am confused by this.

Beta 3120; network options for the VM, Shared Networking is one radio button, Bridged Ethernet is another. There is no tip to recomend which one to use...

What's the difference?

 

Shared Networking is the recommended (default) setting. This mode is most compatible to the "outside" world (network infrastructure). VM is essentially hidden, all network activity happen using Mac IP address. This is important if you're in a hotel or public place where only IP is allowed per computer.
Bridged Networking on the other hand behaves as if a VM were a separate computer on the network. This is usefull if you're running server apps in a VM and access them from other computers. Some VPN clients that do not support NAT trversal can only work in bridged mode. Things get a bit complicated on wireless networks to the point that VM is unable to get IP address in some cases.

All in all you should start with Shared mode and try Bridged in case you have trouble.

I beleive the documentation explains this to some extent... or does it?