# vmnet_read(_:_:_:) Attempts to read a specified number of packets from an interface. ``` func vmnet_read(_ interface: interface_ref, _ packets: UnsafeMutablePointer, _ pktcnt: UnsafeMutablePointer) -> vmnet_return_t ``` ## Parameters `interface` The interface reference. `packets` On return, this parameter is populated with an array of packets read. `pktcnt` The number of packets to read. On return, this parameter is populated with the number of packets read, or `0` no packets are available to be read. ## Return Value Returns `vmnet` on success, or an error code on failure. See `vmnet` for possible values. ## Discussion Each packet buffer passed should be at least as large as the value of [`vmnet_max_packet_size_key`](/documentation/vmnet/vmnet_max_packet_size_key) for the interface. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)