How do I programatically collect packets from passively sniffing? [closed]

Answer 1

The best portable library for this is libpcap. There's even a java wrapper available for it.

Answer 2

You should take a look to libcrafter: http://code.google.com/p/libcrafter/

The library has a Sniffer class with an interface very easy to use:

http://code.google.com/p/libcrafter/wiki/SnifferIntroduction

Answer 3

No need to write your own - Download Wireshark from http://www.wireshark.org/

Answer 4

Wireshark and KisMAC both offer source code downloads and run on MacOS X. You can strip the needed code from there (if it's just for your internal use).