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virtualizationvirtual-machineethernet

RFC or something for choosing private ethernet MAC addresses?


for virtualization purposes I want to assign all my VM ethernet cards an individual static MAC-address. This way it is easier for me to manage DHCP.

Normally ESXi Server chooses an address with this prefix: 00:50:56 But I don't want to use this prefix to don't get problems with later/other auto generated MACs or later joining VMs.

The VMs are only connected via NAT to the Internet, so the MAC will stay private.

Is there a guideline which MAC to choose?
Something like a private MAC address space?
Or should I just choose a random one?


Solution

  • Okay, I found out, that in newer versions of ESXi Server / VMWare dynamic assigned MAC addresses will start with 00:0c:29.

    In older versions and when MACs are static assigned, they will start with 00:50:56. So it is secure to choose the 00:50:56 prefix when I can be sure not to use older and newer VMs at the same time.

    http://communities.vmware.com/message/55378