Proxmox VLAN Configuration: Linux Bridge Tagging, Management IP, and Virtual Machines

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will walk through the process of configuring VLANs in Proxmox. This includes making the Proxmox environment VLAN aware, changing the management IP, and adding VLANs to virtual machines. Whether you're new to Proxmox or looking to enhance your virtualization skills, this guide will help you manage network traffic effectively.

Step 1: Understanding the Default Bridge

• Log into the Proxmox VE UI.
• Navigate to the Datacenter and select Nodes.
• Click on your node and go to the Network tab.
• Review the default Linux Bridge settings. The default bridge is not VLAN aware, which means it cannot handle VLAN tagging.

Step 2: Enable VLAN Awareness on the Default Bridge

• Select the default bridge (typically vmbr0).
• In the settings panel, check the box to enable VLAN Aware.
• Click Apply to save the changes.
• Open the network configuration file located at /etc/network/interfaces to verify the settings.

Step 3: Move the Management IP

• Identify the current management IP settings.
• Edit the /etc/network/interfaces file to change the management IP address. For example:

  auto vmbr0
  iface vmbr0 inet static
      address NEW_MANAGEMENT_IP
      netmask 255.255.255.0
      bridge-ports eth0
      bridge-stp off
      bridge-fd 0
  

• Replace NEW_MANAGEMENT_IP with your desired IP address.
• Save the changes and exit the editor.

Step 4: Restart Networking

• Restart the networking service for the changes to take effect.

  systemctl restart networking
  

• Verify the new management IP is reachable by pinging it from another device on the network.

Step 5: Update the /etc/hosts File

• Open the /etc/hosts file to update the management IP.
• Add or modify the line corresponding to the new management IP:

  NEW_MANAGEMENT_IP hostname
  

• Save the changes.

Step 6: Consider DNS Configuration

• Ensure that your DNS settings are updated to reflect the new management IP.
• If using a local DNS server, update the records accordingly.

Step 7: Configure VLANs for Virtual Machines

• To add VLANs to an existing virtual machine, go to the VM's hardware settings.
• Select Network Device and set the VLAN tag in the VLAN section.
• For creating a new virtual machine, during the configuration:
  • Choose the same VLAN settings as required for your network.
• Click Add to finalize the configuration.

Conclusion

You have successfully configured VLANs in Proxmox, enabling VLAN awareness on the bridge, moving the management IP, and adding VLANs to your virtual machines. This setup enhances network traffic management in your Proxmox environment. For further learning, explore additional resources on Proxmox networking or consider diving into advanced VLAN configurations and monitoring tools.