What type of virtual switch allows VMs to communicate with each other but not with the management operating system?

A private virtual switch is specifically designed to facilitate communication between virtual machines (VMs) while ensuring that they do not have access to the management operating system or other networks. This type of switch creates a completely isolated environment for VMs, allowing them to interact with each other securely without exposing them to the host operating system or external environments.

This is particularly useful in scenarios where VMs need to collaborate on tasks or share resources among themselves without risking access to the management components or broader network.

Internal and external virtual switches, in contrast, provide different levels of connectivity that allow for communication with the management operating system or external networks. An internal switch permits VMs to communicate with each other and the host, while an external switch allows VMs to connect to both each other and to external networks. A hybrid switch typically combines features of both internal and external switches, providing a mix of connectivity options. Thus, these other types of switches do not provide the isolation characteristic that defines a private virtual switch.