TCPdump vs. Wireshark

Wireshark is great for enterprise networks with large amounts of data traversing the network that need a way to filter and inspect specific traffic by specific parameters (i.e. destination / source IP address, host, or type). There are use-cases for smaller environments, but the amount of time needed to learn how to effectively use the tool may not be beneficial for home / small office users.

Incentivized

• Capture Network Traffic - This really is the essential functionality of Wireshark as without consistent data capture there is nothing to analyze
• Filtering - We need to often filter for specific data that we are looking for.
• Live Capture as well as offline analysis - This gives us the flexibility to do what we need to do when we need to do it.

Incentivized

• It is beginner-friendly as far as installation, but it could use a tutorial.
• Perhaps there is a way to do this already, but I haven't yet seen it. It would be nice if it could be integrated with a network package that could detect network anomalies, fire up an automated packet analysis, and send a report to an administrator.

Incentivized

It's very simple and easy to use, although individuals not used to managing and administering networks would take some time to get familiar with it. Once they have mastered use of the application, it's easy to stay knowledgeable about it, iteration after iteration. It is well supported online through an open-source community network of professionals who are helpful in imparting knowledge and in providing assistance.

Incentivized

I don't believe Wireshark has "true" support as the software is open source. However, there is an active & friendly community around Wireshark that are more than happy to help answer questions. From a comprehensive Wiki and FAQ section on the site to the Ask a Question forum and bug tracker section, there's plenty of support options to make sure your questions and issues are addressed.

Incentivized

Simple and easy setup.

Incentivized

[Wireshark] is just the go-to application. It's the tool that is taught with in school and at trade conferences. We have not had a need to even look at other tools. It's free, it had a ton of functionality, and it just works without complaint.

Incentivized

• If your systems are not working, then of course it is one of the biggest impact on the business
• Imagine you are not able to send an email because of a network issue. This will definitely become a huge hindrance in your business
• Wireshark helps you with these types of problems and lets your business run smoothly