What is necessary for virtual machines to effectively communicate with one another?

For virtual machines to effectively communicate with one another, correct IP address configuration is essential. Each virtual machine must have a unique IP address that is part of the same network or subnet, which allows them to identify each other and facilitate the communication required for data exchange.

With the correct IP address configuration, virtual machines can send and receive packets over the network. This configuration allows them to recognize the source and destination of data, enabling proper routing and handling of the communication processes. Additionally, IP addresses play a crucial role in enabling services like DNS resolution, which further helps in connecting and communicating with other virtual machines.

While fixed and gateway address configurations can be relevant in certain network setups, they are not universally necessary for basic communication between virtual machines. A correct MAC address configuration is also important for local network traffic but is overshadowed by the necessity of proper IP addressing for virtual machines to communicate across broader networks.