Installation:
- Begin by downloading and installing Wireshark from the official website (wireshark.org) based on your operating system.
- Follow the installation instructions provided during the installation process.
Starting Wireshark:
- Launch Wireshark after installation. On startup, you'll be prompted to select the network interface to capture traffic from. Choose the appropriate interface based on your requirements.
Capturing Traffic:
- Once Wireshark is open, select the network interface you want to capture traffic from.
- Click the "Start" button or press the red icon to start capturing packets. Wireshark will begin capturing network traffic on the selected interface.
Analyzing Traffic:
- As packets are captured, they will be displayed in the main window of Wireshark. Each packet will have detailed information such as source and destination addresses, protocol, and payload.
- Analyze individual packets by selecting them in the packet list. The details of the selected packet will be displayed in the various panes below the packet list.
Filter Traffic:
- Wireshark provides powerful filtering capabilities to focus on specific packets or protocols of interest.
- Use the filter box at the top of the Wireshark window to apply filters. For example, entering "http" will display only packets related to the HTTP protocol.
- You can also create complex filters using filter expressions. Refer to the Wireshark documentation for more information on filter expressions.
Follow TCP Streams:
- Wireshark allows you to follow TCP streams to see the complete conversation between source and destination hosts.
- Right-click on a TCP packet and select "Follow > TCP Stream". A new window will open, displaying the entire TCP stream for that connection.
Exporting Captured Data:
- If you need to save captured packets for further analysis or sharing, Wireshark provides options to export the captured data.
- Use the "File" menu and select "Export Packet Dissections" to save the captured packets in various formats, such as plain text, CSV, or XML.
Analyzing Protocols:
- Wireshark supports a wide range of protocols. Explore the various protocol dissectors available to analyze specific protocols in detail.
- Use the "Statistics" menu to access protocol-specific statistics, graphs, and summary information related to captured packets.
Additional Features:
- Wireshark offers numerous advanced features, including protocol decoders, statistical analysis tools, and expert information for troubleshooting.
- Experiment with features like coloring rules, packet marking, and protocol preferences to customize your Wireshark experience.