Getting Started with Wireshark from Pluralsight

In this course, you'll learn about capture filters, the nuances between TAPs and SPAN captures, and delve into the Wireshark interface. Explore basic protocol analysis with ARP and ICMP, and kickstart your TCP analysis journey.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or lost when trying to understand network protocols? Wondering how to get started with one of the most powerful network analysis tools? In this course, Getting Started with Wireshark, you'll learn the basics of capturing and interpreting network traffic using Wireshark.

You’ll begin with the essential steps: installing Wireshark and the Packet Capture Driver. By understanding the fundamentals of how packets are delivered to Wireshark, you'll build a strong foundation for deeper dives into network analysis.

Next, you'll get acquainted with capturing traffic effectively for analysis. This section introduces you to the concept of capture filters, the inherent limitations of packet capture, the differences between TAPs and SPAN captures, and the variety of capture options available.

Furthermore, you'll gain hands-on experience with the Wireshark interface itself. You’ll navigate through the basic components, grasp the concepts of packet encapsulation, and familiarize yourself with introductory protocol analysis with ARP and ICMP. Finally, you’ll practice applying display filters and start your journey into the world of TCP analysis.

When you complete this course, you’ll possess the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Quick Start to Capturing Traffic

Capturing Traffic for Analysis

Let's Use Wireshark!

Get Started Analyzing Traffic

Display Filters

Getting Started with TCP Analysis

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces essential skills in network packet analysis using Wireshark

Builds a strong foundation for deeper dives into network analysis

Provides hands-on experience with the Wireshark interface

Develops foundational knowledge in TCP analysis

Explores capture filters, TAPs, and SPAN captures

Targeted towards users with no prior experience with Wireshark

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Getting Started with Wireshark with these activities:

Review Network Protocol Fundamentals

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Revisiting network protocol fundamentals will strengthen understanding of the concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Network Protocols

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Review notes or textbooks on network protocols
Focus on the TCP/IP protocol suite and its layers
Understand the functions and characteristics of common network protocols (e.g., HTTP, DNS, TCP)

Review TCP/IP Fundamentals

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Establish a strong foundation for understanding network packet analysis by reviewing TCP/IP fundamentals.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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Review the OSI Model and TCP/IP Stack
Understand TCP and UDP protocols
Practice identifying common TCP/IP ports

Review Basics of TCP/IP Networking

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Reviewing the fundamentals of TCP/IP networking will provide a solid foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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Read a comprehensive overview of TCP/IP networking
Review the OSI model
Practice identifying the different layers of the TCP/IP model
Test your understanding through online quizzes or practice questions

Nine other activities

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Follow Wireshark Tutorials for Beginners

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Following guided tutorials designed for beginners will provide a structured and accessible introduction to using Wireshark.

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Search for beginner-friendly Wireshark tutorials online
Choose a tutorial that covers the basics of capturing and analyzing packets
Follow the steps in the tutorial to gain hands-on experience
Complete any exercises or assignments included in the tutorial

Join a Wireshark Study Group or Online Forum

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Participating in a study group or online forum provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support among peers.

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Search for Wireshark study groups or forums online
Join a group that aligns with your learning goals and interests
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights
Collaborate on projects or troubleshooting challenges

Capture and Analyze Sample Packets

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Gain hands-on experience in capturing and analyzing network packets using Wireshark.

Browse courses on Packet Capture

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Install Wireshark and Packet Capture Driver
Capture packets using different capture methods
Analyze captured packets using Wireshark

Explore Wireshark Documentation

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Enhance your understanding of Wireshark's capabilities by exploring its official documentation.

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Visit the Wireshark User's Guide
Review the Wireshark Wiki
Utilize the Wireshark Forums for support

Practice Capturing and Analyzing Packets

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Regular practice in capturing and analyzing packets will enhance proficiency in using Wireshark and improve troubleshooting skills.

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Set up a network test environment (e.g., virtual machines, network simulator)
Generate network traffic using tools like ping, iperf, or web browsers
Capture packets using Wireshark and apply appropriate filters
Analyze the captured packets to identify protocols, packet content, and any anomalies
Document findings and troubleshooting steps taken

Create a Wireshark Cheat Sheet or Reference Guide

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Creating a personal cheat sheet or reference guide will serve as a valuable resource for quick reference and reinforcement of key concepts.

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Identify the essential commands, filters, and settings used in Wireshark
Organize and document these resources in an accessible format (e.g., PDF, Markdown)
Include examples and explanations to enhance understanding
Review and update the cheat sheet regularly as knowledge grows

Develop a Wireshark Cheat Sheet

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Create a personalized resource by developing a cheat sheet that summarizes key Wireshark commands and concepts.

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Identify commonly used Wireshark commands
Organize commands into logical categories
Consider adding examples and explanations

Participate in Wireshark Capture the Flag (CTF) Competitions

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CTF competitions test and refine Wireshark skills in a challenging and engaging environment.

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Identify Wireshark CTF competitions online (e.g., PicoCTF, PlaidCTF)
Register for a competition and form a team (optional)
Analyze provided network traffic captures and solve challenges
Gain exposure to real-world scenarios and advanced troubleshooting techniques

Join an Online Wireshark User Group

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Connect with other Wireshark users for discussions, troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing.

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Search for Wireshark user groups on forums or social media
Join a relevant online group
Engage in discussions and ask questions

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Wireshark will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They also troubleshoot network problems and monitor network performance. This course can help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Network Engineer

Network Engineers install, configure, and maintain computer networks. They also troubleshoot network problems and monitor network performance. This course can help someone interested in this role by providing the basic skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze network traffic for security threats. They also investigate security incidents and recommend security measures. This course can help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

IT Auditor

IT Auditors assess and evaluate the security of computer networks. They also make recommendations for improving security. This course can help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. They also monitor network traffic for security threats and investigate security incidents. This course can help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Network Operations Center Engineer

Network Operations Center Engineers monitor and manage network traffic. They also troubleshoot network problems and resolve network outages. This course can help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Operations Center Engineer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer networks from security threats. They also investigate security incidents and recommend security measures. This course can help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. They also use data to solve problems and make decisions. This course may help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. They also recommend and implement system improvements. This course may help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. This course may help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. This course may help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code for software applications. This course may help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course may help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, build, and manage cloud computing systems. This course may help someone interested in this role by providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge in network packet analysis required to confidently navigate Wireshark and embark on more advanced network troubleshooting and optimization endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between software development and operations. They also automate and streamline the software development process.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer