How To Use Wireshark Basics

Filters can also be applied to a capture file that has been created so that only certain packets are shown.

How to use wireshark basics. The most basic way to apply a filter is by typing it into the filter box at the top of the window and clicking apply or pressing enter. Obviously without the first you can t do the second. For example type dns and you ll see only dns packets. It captures the packets and it presents them to you in a user friendly way. Launch wireshark and begin capturing packets once wireshark is installed launch the program to begin.

Once you click this button wireshark will start the live capture process. Wireshark i eth0 k you can also use the shark fin button on the toolbar as a shortcut to initiate packet capturing. These are referred to as display filters. Capture filters instruct wireshark to only record packets that meet specified criteria. When you start typing wireshark will help you autocomplete your filter.

The packet list the top pane is a list of all the packets in the capture. A new window will pop up. Wireshark shows you three different panes for inspecting packet data. That s where wireshark s filters come in. Once the program is launched select the network interface to capture and click on the.

When you click on a packet the other two panes change to show you the details about the selected packet. Wireshark does two things. You can also tell if the packet is part of a conversation.