tcpdump vs Driftnet

Struggling to choose between tcpdump and Driftnet? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

tcpdump is a Network & Admin solution with tags like packet-capture, network-traffic, commandline.

It boasts features such as Packet capture and network traffic monitoring, Capture filters for selective packet capture, Reading packets from files for offline analysis, Output to console, files, or other programs, Decoding of various network protocols and pros including Free and open source, Available for multiple platforms, Powerful command line interface, Wide protocol support, Allows inspection of raw network traffic, Lightweight and fast.

On the other hand, Driftnet is a Security & Privacy product tagged with network, traffic, images, ethernet, capture, sniffing.

Its standout features include Captures images from network traffic, Displays captured images in a window, Works on Ethernet networks, Open source program, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Easy to set up and use, Good for demonstrating how images traverse networks unencrypted.

Feature	tcpdump	Driftnet
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Security & Privacy

Product Overview

tcpdump

Description: tcpdump is a command-line network monitoring and data acquisition tool used to capture packet data flowing over a network. It can intercept and log traffic passing over a digital network or part of a network.

Driftnet

Description: Driftnet is an open source program that captures network traffic images from Ethernet networks. It can detect and extract images from network traffic and display them in a window on your screen.

Key Features Comparison

tcpdump Features

• Packet capture and network traffic monitoring
• Capture filters for selective packet capture
• Reading packets from files for offline analysis
• Output to console, files, or other programs
• Decoding of various network protocols

Driftnet Features

• Captures images from network traffic
• Displays captured images in a window
• Works on Ethernet networks
• Open source program

Pros & Cons Analysis

tcpdump

Pros

• Free and open source
• Available for multiple platforms
• Powerful command line interface
• Wide protocol support
• Allows inspection of raw network traffic
• Lightweight and fast

Cons

• Command line only, no GUI
• Steep learning curve
• Manual analysis of captures required
• Does not do automated intrusion detection
• Requires root/admin rights on most OSes

Driftnet

Pros

• Free and open source
• Easy to set up and use
• Good for demonstrating how images traverse networks unencrypted

Cons

• Only works on Ethernet, not WiFi
• Unethical if used to spy on private network traffic
• Images may be fragmented and incomplete

Pricing Comparison

tcpdump

• Open Source

Driftnet

• Open Source