R1scFactor wrote:I'm currently working with OS X (10.4), with an AirPort Extreme. Using KisMAC, I see the driver "AirPort Extreme (Active Mode)". From what I gather, I cannot currently use this card (or at least not the current driver) for capturing packets.
Any workarounds or ideas to (1) force this card into Passive mode, or (2) allow packet capture under Active mode?
Active mode = No packet capturing. That's, ah, kinda what it means.
The KisMac site hasn't been updated in ages, the newest copy on the site is R65, but I think it's up to R76 now. Surf around
http://www.freelists.org/archives/kismac/ and you'll probably find links to the source code, or if you're lucky, a compiled copy. I'm pretty sure Passive mode for Airport Extreme cards was introduced with R75 (don't hurt me if I'm wrong). But be careful with it, and don't blame me or the developers if you totally fuck up your drivers and have to re-install OSX to get them back.
However, it should be noted that you cannot connect to the 'net when you are in passive mode. I would highly reccomend a Lucent Wavelan card if you're on a tight budget, as Barry mentioned, you can grab one out of a B speed Airport Basestation. Only the older graphite ones, though, the newer "snow" dual ethernet one have an apple airport card instead, with no built-in antenna.
A DWL-122 USB adapter would work nicely as well.