Tcpflow
tcpflow is an open source tool for capturing TCP traffic flows. It works by capturing packets from network interfaces or packet capture files, reassembling TCP streams, and storing application-layer data with relevant TCP metadata.
tcp
network
monitoring
flows
packets
capture
TcpFlow: Open Source TCP Traffic Flow Capture Tool
Capture and analyze TCP traffic flows using an open source tool that reassembles streams, stores application-layer data with relevant metadata, and works from network interfaces or packet capture files.
What is Tcpflow?
tcpflow is an open source command line tool for capturing TCP traffic flows going through a network. It works by capturing packets from live network interfaces or from packet capture (pcap) files, reassembling TCP streams and sessions, and storing the transmitted application-layer data with relevant TCP metadata like sequence numbers and timestamps.
Some key features of tcpflow include:
- Capturing flows from live interfaces or pcap files
- Reassembly of TCP streams, retaining original payload data
- Output of captured flows to files for later analysis
- Command line options for filtering and post-processing flows
- Handling of TCP retransmissions, out-of-order packets, etc.
- Metadata logging like timestamps, source/destination IPs and ports
tcpflow can be useful for tasks like security analysis, debugging protocol implementations, recovering transferred files from network captures, and gaining visibility into network traffic flows. As it reassembles streams and stores payloads, the output is easier to analyze than raw packet captures.
Since it operates at the TCP layer, tcpflow has relatively low overhead and resource usage compared to analyzing application-layer protocols. Its simple, lightweight implementation makes tcpflow easy to integrate into monitoring and analysis toolchains.
Tcpflow Features
Features
- Captures TCP traffic flows from live network interfaces or packet capture files
- Reassembles TCP streams and stores application-layer data
- Stores TCP metadata like sequence numbers, acknowledgments, window advertisements
- Supports BPF filters for selective capturing
- Outputs flows in various formats like ASCII, CSV, JSON
- Can extract files based on signatures
- Has a library API for programmatic access
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Open source and free
Lightweight and fast
Powerful BPF filtering capabilities
Extensible via plugins
Portable across platforms
Can extract files and media
CLI and library API available
Cons
Limited to TCP flows only
No fancy GUI
Steep learning curve
Need to process outputs for analysis
Not a full packet analyzer
The Best Tcpflow Alternatives
Top Network & Admin and Network Monitoring and other similar apps like Tcpflow
Here are some alternatives to Tcpflow:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Wireshark
Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer software. It is used for network troubleshooting, analysis, software and communications protocol development, and education. Wireshark allows users to see what is happening on their network at a very granular level by inspecting the data packets that are sent and received.Some key...
Netcat
Netcat (often shortened to nc) is a computer networking utility for reading from and writing to network connections using TCP or UDP. Netcat is designed to be a dependable back-end that can be used directly or easily driven by other programs and scripts.At its most basic, netcat can be used...
Tcpdump
tcpdump is a powerful command-line packet analyzer that runs on Unix-like operating systems. It allows users to intercept, monitor, and acquire data flowing over a network or network segment.tcpdump works by putting the network interface controller (NIC) into promiscuous mode, which allows it to capture all traffic that passes over...
PsPing
PsPing is a free networking tool designed primarily for system administrators to test and measure connectivity and response times of TCP/IP networks. It functions similarly to the standard ping utility, but provides additional functionality and reporting.Some key features of PsPing include:Sending ICMP, TCP, or UDP requests to measure network response...
NetworkMiner
NetworkMiner is an open source network forensic analysis tool used to analyze network traffic captures (PCAP files). It can detect operating systems, sessions, hostnames, open ports, passwords and more from network traffic using deep packet inspection techniques.Some of the key features of NetworkMiner include:Detecting operating systems and versions from network...
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...
AirSnare
AirSnare is an open-source, self-hosted media server and streaming application. It is designed to index, organize, and stream your personal media library including videos, music, photos, and other files. Some key features of AirSnare include:Automatic indexing and tagging of media filesSupport for multiple audio, video, and image formatsOn-the-fly transcoding for...
PCAPdroid
PCAPdroid is a powerful network protocol analyzer application for the Android platform. It allows users to capture, inspect, analyze, and save network traffic on their Android smartphones or tablets.Some key features of PCAPdroid include:Real-time capture and inspection of network packets on WiFi, cellular data, and Ethernet interfacesFilters for protocols, IP...
Pirni Pro
Pirni Pro is a feature-rich vector graphics editor designed for illustrators, web and graphic designers. It provides a wide array of powerful tools for creating impressive 2D graphics easily and efficiently.Key features include:Intuitive vector drawing and shape toolsAdvanced typography controlsFlexible gradient and pattern fillsSmooth curve editing with bezier handlesPhoto editing...
SmartSniff
SmartSniff is a comprehensive network analyzer and packet sniffing software used for network monitoring, analysis, and troubleshooting. It allows users to capture, inspect and log traffic passing through Ethernet and wireless network connections in real-time.With an easy-to-use graphical interface, SmartSniff provides powerful capabilities for gathering insights into network activity and...
Cocoa Packet Analyzer
Cocoa Packet Analyzer is a feature-rich native macOS packet capture, inspection and analysis application. It provides a graphical user interface to capture, inspect and analyze network traffic going through your macOS system.Some key features include:Capturing packets from multiple interfaces such as Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth and othersApplying filters to capture only...
Termshark
Termshark is a powerful network protocol analyzer that runs entirely in your terminal. It provides functionality similar to the popular Wireshark tool but without requiring an X Window environment. Just like Wireshark, Termshark allows you to capture packets in real-time, filter them based on various criteria, inspect protocol data, extract...
