promisc mode

i typed man ifconfig in my terminal to get the following

-promisc

Enable or disable the promiscuous mode of the interface. If selected, all packets on the network will be received by the interface.

i have also read that promiscuous mode is enabled only for certain troubleshooting situations/applications.

can any one give the situations where promiscuous mode is enabled ?

xxxx

For example when you want to monitor or analyse your network traffic. Remember that you will be able to see all network traffic as long as your switch/bridge/gateway/router allows this

mellowd

promiscuous mode is where your network cards captures all packets, regardless of whether it was addressed to it or not. This can help with troubleshooting.

It can also be used to sniff out passwords and the like!


Generally you don't need it. For normal day to day use it isn't required.