> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://prosbcdocs.telcobridges.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://prosbcdocs.telcobridges.com/tmedia-documentation/server-and-os-administration/vmware-configuring-passtrough-interfaces.md).

# VMware: Configuring Passtrough interfaces

#### ***Applies to version(s): v3.0 and above***

For high performance FreeSBC VMware systems, Passthrough mode can be enabled on network interfaces. Performance indications can be viewed here: [Requirements Matrix](https://telcobridges.com/sbc/products/freesbc-prosbclab/) This process requires a reboot of the host server running the VMware services.

### Configure VMware Passthrough Networking Interface

1. Log in using the Vmware web interface
2. Find MAC address of ethernet interface that will be used for passthrough:

* Networking -> Physical NICs ![Find MAC address of Network Interface](https://docs.telcobridges.com/w/images/f/f2/Find_MAC_address_of_Network_Interface.png)

1. enable passthrough mode on interface

* Host -> Manage -> Hardware -> PCI Devices -> Select Physical Network Interface -> "Toggle Passthrough" ![Set PCI to passthrough](https://docs.telcobridges.com/w/images/e/e5/Set_PCI_to_passthrough.png)

1. Reboot the host

* Host -> Actions -> Reboot ![Reboot VMware host](https://docs.telcobridges.com/w/images/e/ec/Reboot_VMware_host.png)

1. Add PCI device to the FreeSBC instance

* Select the FreeSBC instance -> Edit -> "Add Other Device" -> PCI Device ![Add PCI device to VM](https://docs.telcobridges.com/w/images/c/c3/Add_PCI_device_to_VM.png)
* Select the Ethernet interface to be used in passthrough mode ![Select PCI device](https://docs.telcobridges.com/w/images/6/6a/Select_PCI_device.png)

1. Launch the FreeSBC instance

* When selecting the interfaces in the network interface roles, use the appropriate MAC address from first step for the LAN/WAN interface. You may also notice that the device name is not "E1000" or "VMXNET" but a real Physical interface name. ![Select PCI Passthrough device](https://docs.telcobridges.com/w/images/6/67/Select_PCI_Passthrough_device.png)


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