Promiscuous Mode - Allow VMs vs Allow All?

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Erik_FL
Posts: 55
Joined: 8. Feb 2008, 06:46

Promiscuous Mode - Allow VMs vs Allow All?

Post by Erik_FL »

Can anyone explain the difference between the two promiscuous mode settings for a network adapter, "Allow VMs" versus "Allow All"? I'm using a virtual machine with WireShark monitoring a bridged virtual network interface. With promiscuous mode set to "Allow VMs" I thought that it would allow the virtual network adapter to monitor the real physical network in promiscuous mode. Instead, I have to set the virtual network interface to "Allow All" in order for the virtual network adapter to promiscuously monitor the real physical network adapter that is bridged. My question is, "What does 'Allow VMs' permit, and why would I use that versus 'Allow All?'

The help for VirtualBox does not explain these settings in any detail.
BillG
Volunteer
Posts: 5102
Joined: 19. Sep 2009, 04:44
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows 10,7 and earlier
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Promiscuous Mode - Allow VMs vs Allow All?

Post by BillG »

As I see it, allow vms means that you will only see traffic between virtual machines. I can see a genuine reason for wanting to use that. Allow all will show traffic from physical machines as well (ie all traffic on the network).
Bill
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