Techniques are described for managing communications between multiple computing nodes, such as for computing nodes that are part of managed virtual computer networks provided on behalf of users or other entities. In some situations, one or more of the computing nodes of a managed virtual computer network is configured to perform actions to extend capabilities of the managed virtual computer network to other computing nodes that are not part of the managed virtual computer network, such as by forwarding communications between computing nodes of the managed virtual computer network and the other external computing nodes so as to enable the other external computing nodes to participate in the managed virtual computer network. In some situations, the computing nodes may include virtual machine nodes hosted on one or more physical computing machines or systems, such as by or on behalf of one or more users.