What to use, if not using Wireshark for analyzing network traffic

 

    Wireshark is a popular network protocol analyzer used by network administrators and security professionals to capture and analyze network traffic. However, there are many Wireshark alternatives available that can provide similar or even better functionality. Here are some of the best Wireshark alternatives, along with their features and benefits:

1.tcpdump: tcpdump is a command-line packet capture tool that can capture network traffic and analyze packets. It is a lightweight tool that can run on a wide range of platforms and can be used for basic packet analysis.

2.Microsoft Network Monitor: Microsoft Network Monitor is a free packet analyzer that can be used to capture, view, and analyze network traffic in real-time. It provides an intuitive user interface and powerful filtering capabilities.

3.TShark: TShark is a command-line tool that provides the same packet capture and analysis capabilities as Wireshark. It is ideal for automating packet analysis tasks and can be used in conjunction with other tools and scripts.

4.SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is a comprehensive network monitoring and management tool that includes packet capture and analysis capabilities. It can be used to monitor and troubleshoot network issues and provide real-time visibility into network performance.

5.Colasoft Capsa: Colasoft Capsa is a network analyzer that provides real-time packet capture and analysis. It includes a range of features such as traffic monitoring, protocol analysis, and application performance monitoring.

6.NetworkMiner: NetworkMiner is a network forensic analysis tool that can be used to capture and analyze network traffic. It can extract files and other artifacts from network traffic and provides a user-friendly interface for analyzing captured data.

7.PRTG Network Monitor: PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive network monitoring tool that includes packet capture and analysis capabilities. It provides real-time monitoring of network performance and can be used to identify and troubleshoot network issues.

8.NetWitness Investigator: NetWitness Investigator is a powerful network analysis tool that can be used to capture and analyze network traffic. It provides advanced features such as session reconstruction, malware detection, and threat intelligence.

9.NetworkMiner Professional: NetworkMiner Professional is a commercial version of NetworkMiner that provides advanced features such as extraction of files and metadata from network traffic, advanced filtering, and forensic analysis capabilities.

10.Capsa Enterprise: Capsa Enterprise is a comprehensive network analysis and monitoring tool that provides real-time monitoring, analysis, and reporting of network traffic. It includes features such as packet capture, protocol analysis, and application performance monitoring.

    These Wireshark alternatives provide a range of features and functionality that can be used for network analysis and troubleshooting. They are ideal for network administrators and security professionals who need to monitor and analyze network traffic in real-time, identify network issues, and optimize network performance.