Networked Computers

Hey guys, I'm stuck for a small project I'm trying to do.
The basic idea is that I need to listen to the packets from my Xbox 360. I've been told this is possible, but I dont have a clue how to do it.
I have done packet sniffing before, but this time I specifically need to listen for a different network device.

I am going to be using an ActiveX control to do the actual sniffing, so if that can help at all it'd be great, but other than that, the only thing I really need to know is how not to drop packets which aren't designated for my computer.

Details are: The Xbox 360 I want to listen to is connected to a switch via ethernet. This switch then connects to a NetGear router which is connected to the internet.
My pc has a BT Voyager 1050 wireless card, and connects to the same router.

Can anyone tell me what sort of thing I would need to do for this?

Thanks

 

First, plug your "sniffer" and the device you want to monitor into a hub rather than a switch. This will ensure that all traffic gets sent to your sniffing device. A switch will only send traffic destined to your sniffer and broadcast traffic.

Second, make sure your network card is in promiscuous mode. Normally, the network card will discard frames and packets that do not have it's own address as a destination. In promiscuous mode, it will not discard the packets, and will allow your sniffer software to pick up the conversation. Most sniffer software will put the card in promiscuous mode for you while the sniffer is running, provided the drivers are installed.