How many NICs can a VM in Google Cloud accommodate at most?

A virtual machine (VM) in Google Cloud can support a maximum of eight network interface cards (NICs). This capability allows for flexible networking configurations, where various segments of a group can communicate through individually assigned NICs.

Each NIC can be connected to different Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) networks or subnets, enabling the VM to participate in multiple networks or have multiple IP addresses for different purposes, such as workload segregation or enhanced network architecture. This is particularly useful in environments where applications require distinct network paths for performance, security, or management reasons.

The ability to have multiple NICs also facilitates advanced networking setups, such as those using private Google access, hybrid connections, or complex multi-tier application architectures. By providing this flexibility, Google Cloud allows users to tailor their network configurations to meet specific application needs effectively.