network-programmingwireshark

How does the network traffic not intended for my nic even reach my nic?


I was reading that in order to capture traffic for more than just my machine I need to put the nic into promiscuous mode. By default the nic seems to filter out the packets which are not meant for it.

My Question is : How come my nic even receive traffic that is not intended for it? Isn't my router supposed to route packets only to the computer for which it is meant?

Sorry - newbie here and this may be an absolute down votable question that I am asking.


Solution

  • The short answer: It depends. :)

    Wireshark Wiki: Ethernet capture setup should be of help to get you started.