A virtual network adapter is a program (instead of a physical network adapter) that allows a computer to connect to a network. A virtual network adapter can also be used to connect all the computers on a local area network (LAN) to a larger network such as the Internet or a collection of LANs.

Here, I would like to share how to change virtual machine virtual network adapter manually. In fact, you may know you can add a new virtual adapter and choose the adapter type from drop down menu.

Here you go:

1. Login to VMware ESX server 2. Type vmware-cmd -l and look for virtual machine (vmx = vm config file) which require change virtual network adapter 3. You may check VMware KB Article: 1001805 for available network adapters details.

VMXNET — The VMXNET virtual network adapter has no physical counterpart. VMXNET is optimized for performance in a virtual machine. Because operating system vendors do not provide built-in drivers for this card, you must install VMware Tools to have a driver for the VMXNET network adapter available.

Flexible — The Flexible network adapter identifies itself as a Vlance adapter when a virtual machine boots, but initializes itself and functions as either a Vlance or a VMXNET adapter, depending on which driver initializes it. With VMware Tools installed, the VMXNET driver changes the Vlance adapter to the higher performance VMXNET adapter.

E1000 — An emulated version of the Intel 82545EM Gigabit Ethernet NIC, with drivers available in most newer guest operating systems, including Windows XP and later and Linux versions 2.4.19 and later.

VMXNET 2 (Enhanced) — The VMXNET 2 adapter is based on the VMXNET adapter but provides some high-performance features commonly used on modern networks, such as jumbo frames and hardware offloads. This virtual network adapter is available only for some guest operating systems on ESX/ESXi 3.5 and later.

4. Edit Virtual Machine vmx file and choose virtual network adapter as show below:

The Intel Ultimate N WiFi Link 5300 ethernet adapter is a wireless network adapter card that can be installed in your computer to enable wireless network functionality. The Intel 5300 network adapter is available as a PCIe Mini card for desktops and a Half Mini card for laptops. Your desktop computer needs an empty PCIe Mini slot to receive the Intel 5300 network adapter; your laptop needs to have a Half Mini wireless card slot.

Desktop Installation Procedure

1

Shut down your computer. Unplug all peripherals from the computer and disconnect the power supply from its power source. Lay your computer on a clean, flat workspace and open its case.

2

Locate an empty PCIe Mini slot on your computer's motherboard. PCIe Mini slots are typically located above regular PCI slots on the motherboard and are roughly 1/4 the length of regular PCI slots.

3

Align the Intel 5300 server adatper with the PCIe Mini slot. Connect the network adapter to the computer by gently pushing the card all the way into the slot. The card is fully inserted when it cannot be pushed any further into the slot.

4

Close your computer's case and reconnect your peripherals. Plug your computer in and turn it on. Insert the Installation CD that came with your Intel 5300 into your computer's CD/DVD-ROM drive.

5

Open "My Computer" and double-click on the CD/DVD-ROM drive that contains the Intel 5300 Installation CD to install the network adapter drivers. Follow the directions provided by the installation application to configure your Intel 5300 and setup your wireless networks. Laptop Installation Procedure

1

Shut down your laptop and close the display. Disconnect all peripherals from your laptop and unplug the laptop's power cable. Remove all batteries from your laptop and place the laptop upside down on a clean, flat workspace.

2

Remove the panel that covers the WLAN Intel network adapter from the bottom of your laptop. Most laptops have an access panel to the WLAN network adapter on the bottom of the computer; check your laptop's documentation for the exact location of the access panel.

3

Remove the old WLAN network adapter from your computer. Disconnect both antenna cables from the installed network adapter and remove any screws holding the card in place. Gently lift the old network adapter to a 45-degree angle and pull the card out of the half mini slot.

4

Insert your Intel 5300 into the half mini slot at a 45 degree angle. Push the card flat against the motherboard and secure it into place with the screw removed in step 3. Connect the antenna cables to the Intel 5300 network adapter.

5

Replace the access panel and reconnect your laptop's batteries, AC adapter, and peripherals. Start your laptop. Insert the Installation CD that came with your Intel 5300 into your laptop's CD/DVD-ROM drive.

6

Open "My Computer" and double click on the CD/DVD-ROM drive that contains the Intel CD to install the network adapter drivers. Follow the directions provided by the installation application to configure your Intel 5300 and setup your wireless networks.