A Local Area Network (LAN) is a local network that covers a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, school, or building. Its purpose is to connect computers and devices, such as printers, routers, or servers, so they can share data and resources.
Unlike a WAN (e.g., the internet), a LAN is focused on a smaller area, offering better control and security.
Wireshark is a free and open-source network protocol analysis tool. It is used to capture and analyze the data traffic in a computer network. Here are some key aspects of Wireshark:
Network Protocol Analysis: Wireshark enables the examination of the data traffic sent and received over a network. It can break down the traffic to the protocol level, allowing for detailed analysis.
Capture and Storage: Wireshark can capture network traffic in real-time and save this data to a file for later analysis.
Support for Many Protocols: It supports a wide range of network protocols, making it a versatile tool for analyzing various network communications.
Cross-Platform: Wireshark is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Filtering Capabilities: Wireshark offers powerful filtering features that allow users to search for and analyze specific data packets or protocols.
Graphical User Interface: The tool has a user-friendly graphical interface that facilitates the analysis and visualization of network data.
Use Cases:
Wireshark is a powerful tool for anyone looking to gain deeper insights into the functioning of networks and the interaction of network protocols.