VirtualBox Microservice Assignment

Project Overview

This project demonstrates the creation and configuration of multiple Virtual Machines (VMs) using Oracle VirtualBox, establishing a private network between them, and deploying a microservice-based application across the connected VMs.

A Node.js and Express-based REST API is hosted on one virtual machine (Backend VM), and accessed from another virtual machine (Client VM) after both VMs are powered on and connected through a Host-Only network.

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Objective

• Create and configure multiple virtual machines using VirtualBox
• Establish network connectivity between the virtual machines
• Deploy and test a microservice-based application across the VMs

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Virtual Machines Used

VM1 – Backend Server

• Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
• Role: Backend Microservice Host
• IP Address: 192.168.186.3
• Technology Stack: Node.js, Express.js
• Listening Port: 3000
• API Endpoint: /api

VM2 – Client

• Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
• Role: Client VM to consume the backend service
• IP Address: 192.168.186.4
• Tool Used: curl
• Status: VM2 was powered on and used to test the backend microservice running on VM1

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Network Configuration

• Network Type: Host-Only Adapter
• Subnet: 192.168.186.0/24

Both VM1 and VM2 were powered on simultaneously and connected to the same Host-Only network, enabling secure and direct VM-to-VM communication without internet dependency.

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Microservice Description

The backend microservice is a simple REST API built using Express.js and hosted on VM1.

API Details

• Method: GET
• Endpoint: /api

API Response

{
  "message": "Hello from Backend VM"
}


The backend service listens on:

0.0.0.0:3000

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## Application Testing (VM2 to VM1)

After powering on VM2, the backend service running on VM1 was tested using the following command:

```bash
curl http://192.168.186.3:3000/api

Expected Output

{"message":"Hello from Backend VM"}

This confirms:

• VM2 is operational
• Network connectivity between the virtual machines is established
• Backend microservice is functioning correctly

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Project Structure

backend/
├── server.js
├── package.json
├── package-lock.json
└── README.md

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Steps to Run the Project

Step 1: Start the Virtual Machines

• Power on VM1 (Backend Server)
• Power on VM2 (Client)

Step 2: Run the Backend Service on VM1

cd backend
npm install
node server.js

Step 3: Test the Service from VM2

curl http://192.168.186.3:3000/api

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Architecture Design

• VM1 hosts the Node.js and Express backend microservice
• VM2 acts as the client and sends HTTP requests using curl
• Communication occurs through a VirtualBox Host-Only Network
• JSON responses are returned from VM1 to VM2

The architecture diagram illustrates VM connectivity, IP addresses, service roles, and the request-response flow between the virtual machines.

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Source Code Repository

The complete source code and documentation for this project are available at:

https://github.com/kashishjoshi13/virtualbox-microservice-assignment

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Video Demonstration

A recorded video demonstration shows:

• Powering on both virtual machines
• Network configuration verification
• Backend service execution on VM1
• Successful API request from VM2 using curl

(Video link to be provided separately)

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Plagiarism Declaration

This project is an original implementation. Any form of plagiarism in code, documentation, or architecture may result in disqualification as per assignment guidelines.

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Author

Kashish Joshi VirtualBox Microservice Assignment

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