Wireshark is a free and open-source network protocol analyzer software available for Windows. It allows users to capture and analyze network traffic in real-time. Here are some key features of Wireshark:
Packet Analysis: Wireshark allows users to capture and examine network packets in great detail. It provides a comprehensive view of network traffic, including source and destination IP addresses, protocols used, packet length, and more.
Live Capture and Offline Analysis: Users can capture network traffic live from their network interface or open saved capture files for offline analysis. This flexibility allows for detailed examination of network communication even after the fact.
Filtering and Search: Wireshark offers powerful filtering options to help users focus on specific types of traffic or packets of interest. Filters can be applied based on various criteria such as IP addresses, protocols, ports, and more. The built-in search feature enables quick identification of specific packets within large capture files.
Protocol Support: Wireshark supports a wide range of network protocols, making it suitable for analyzing diverse types of network traffic. It can decode and interpret protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, DHCP, FTP, SSL/TLS, VoIP, and many more.
Detailed Packet Inspection: The software allows users to drill down into packet details and view individual fields of protocols. It provides in-depth information about packet headers, payload, timestamp, sequence numbers, and other relevant data.
Statistics and Graphs: Wireshark provides comprehensive statistics for captured packets, such as conversations, endpoints, protocol hierarchy, packet lengths, and more. It also includes various graphs and visualizations to help analyze network traffic patterns efficiently.
Customization and Extensibility: Wireshark offers a high level of customization and extensibility. Users can create their own dissectors and protocols to decode proprietary or less common protocols. The software also allows for the creation of custom display filters, profiles, and preferences.
Overall, Wireshark is a powerful and versatile network protocol analyzer that provides extensive capabilities for capturing, analyzing, and troubleshooting network traffic.