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08.14.2008 at 08:17AM PDT, ID: 23648418
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WinPcap vs. Raw Sockets

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7.0
Tags:

C#, raw, socket, winpcap, programming, windows

I am looking for a clear explanation of the difference(s) between using raw sockets vs. the WinPcap driver for packet capture on Windows XP/Vista.  What are the pros and cons of each approach?

From everything I've read, WinPcap seems to be the preferred means of doing this, but I don't understand why.  Doesn't a raw socket provide the same information that WinPcap does?

By way of context, I have need to write a packet capture program using C# that will be distributed on Windows XP/VIsta systems.  Each system will be connected to the local area network using a "vampire" tap instead of a switch, so the software will truly have access to everything on the wire.  I would really prefer not to install the WinPcap driver, but the fundamental requirement is to NOT drop packets.
 
 
 
Expert Comment by jcoehoorn:

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Accepted Solution by jcoehoorn:

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20081119-EE-VQP-46 / EE_QW_2_20070628