Packet Capture
Packet capture software intercepts and logs network traffic passing through a network interface. It can help analyze network issues, view raw network packets, monitor bandwidth usage, debug protocols, etc. Popular open-source packet capture tools include Wireshark, tcpdump, and W
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Packet Capture: Analyze Network Traffic
Packet capture software intercepts and logs network traffic passing through a network interface. It can help analyze network issues, view raw network packets, monitor bandwidth usage, debug protocols, etc. Popular open-source packet capture tools include Wireshark, tcpdump, and Windump.
What is Packet Capture?
Packet capture (also known as packet sniffing or network traffic monitoring) refers to software that intercepts and logs traffic passing over a digital network or part of a network. Packet capture software monitors all packets seen by the network interface controller (NIC).
Packet capture tools are used for a variety of purposes, including to:
- Analyze network usage, issues, and activity
- View raw packet data for debugging purposes
- Inspect network traffic down to protocol level
- Monitor bandwidth utilization
- Intercept suspicious or malware activity
- Document network traffic for compliance requirements
- Capture traffic to replay, audit, or reconstruct network events
Some of the most well-known open source/free packet capture utilities include:
- Wireshark - Comprehensive and powerful GUI-based sniffer for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Unix
- tcpdump - Command-line packet analyzer for Linux/Unix
- Windump - tcpdump port for Windows OS
Enterprise-class tools like Riverbed Cascade, SolarWinds, and ManageEngine NetFlow also provide advanced monitoring, analysis, and packet capture capabilities.
When deploying packet capture software, care should be taken to put controls in place. Packet sniffing could intercept sensitive data, violate privacy, or enable malicious surveillance if not managed properly.
Packet Capture Features
Features
- Real-time packet capture and analysis
- Support for hundreds of protocols and network standards
- Powerful display filters for drilling down on specific traffic
- Expert Info to explain meaning of network packets
- Statistical reports on network usage and metrics
- Ability to reconstruct TCP sessions and application streams
- Export captured packets in multiple formats (pcap, csv, xml, etc)
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Cross-platform support
Rich feature set for deep inspection and analysis
Extensive protocol support
Large user and developer community
Cons
Steep learning curve
Can be resource intensive for large captures
Limited technical support compared to commercial tools
The Best Packet Capture Alternatives
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