> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/run-the-platform/networking/port-mirroring.md).

# Port Mirroring

Port mirroring replicates a network's traffic to a VM NIC, allowing packet analysis for monitoring or diagnostics.

## Configure Port Mirroring

1. Enable **Port Mirroring** in the network settings. ![portmirrordropdown.png](/files/GrPyZJfwERuZmTh1HUMW)
   * Select ***North/South*** to copy packets that traverse the network router
   * Select ***East/West*** to copy packets that traverse the router AND all intranetwork packets

{% hint style="warning" %}
***East/West***** port mirroring is typically only recommended as a temporary setting for diagnostics purposes; using it for long durations can impact performance as it replicates all network traffic.**
{% endhint %}

2. Click **Submit** to save the change.
3. Click **Restart** on the left menu to boot the network.
4. Create a VM that will be used for port analysis (or use an existing VM).
5. [**Add a NIC to the VM**](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/vm-nics.md):
   * In the **Network** field, select: *NETWORKNAME*\_mirror
   * Click **Submit** (bottom of page) to save
6. (Re)boot the VM.
7. Operating system/application software of choice can be used in the VM for packet analysis.


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