What does a port group connect in a virtual environment?

A port group serves as a vital connection point in a virtual environment, specifically linking virtual machines to the external physical network. It enables virtual machines that are part of the same port group to communicate with one another and facilitates their access to external networks, including the internet and other network resources. Port groups are configured on virtual switches and can control various settings such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), which further segment traffic and enhance network management.

In essence, by using a port group, administrators can manage the network configuration more efficiently, ensuring that the virtual machines can connect seamlessly to the external world. This capability is crucial for enabling data exchange, application communication, and management operations across different network segments and domains.