diff --git a/labs/scripts/config_external_network.sh b/labs/scripts/config_external_network.sh
index 37ddcd73..557a94b5 100755
--- a/labs/scripts/config_external_network.sh
+++ b/labs/scripts/config_external_network.sh
@@ -22,7 +22,10 @@ until neutron net-list >/dev/null 2>&1; do
 done
 
 echo "Creating the external network."
-neutron net-create ext-net --router:external=True
+neutron net-create ext-net \
+    --router:external True \
+    --provider:physical_network external \
+    --provider:network_type flat
 
 echo "Creating a subnet on the external network."
 neutron subnet-create ext-net \