Hi,

I have a question about the path that traffic takes from a Windows VM to an SMB share running on the same host.

Here is what I plan to do:
- I create an SMB share on the array
- I create a Windows VM on the same host
- I map the SMB share in the Windows VM as a network drive

The VM uses the same network adapter in bridged mode and with its own IP address.

Where does the traffic go now? Out of the network adapter, back through the switch to the same adapter? Or is the network adapter completely bypassed here?

My idea may also be wrong, so here's what I'm trying to do: I'd like to be able to access my Unraid array as fast as possible without buying 10G or 25G network adapters.
I would also like to consolidate from 2 devices (Windows PC and Unraid Server) to only one.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Traffic exchange into virtual switch ( bridge ), you don't need buy 10G NIC.