Using Wireshark Command Line Tools from Pluralsight

Certain tasks are always faster and more flexible at the command line, while some can only be performed there. Wireshark is no different. You will learn how to use Wireshark command line tools such as tshark, dumpcap, editcap, and mergecap.

Packets are often referred to as the ultimate source of computer network truth. Security Engineers need them to examine and manage security threats or breaches quickly. Network Engineers demand them to get to the root cause of an issue before the user experience is affected. Software Engineers require them to measure response times across variable speed networks to adjust timers within the code. In this course, Using Wireshark Command Line Tools, you'll learn to use tshark, dumpcap, editcap, and mergecap to capture, filter, convert and analyze the packets flying across the network. First, you'll explore configuring a Windows machine to have Wireshark CLI tools in its PATH statement, determining which tool is best to capture packets in a given scenario, and differentiating between capture and display filters, and exploring examples using filter syntax. Next you'll combine hundreds of pcap files into a single file and extract only the packets necessary to respond to a trouble ticket or log event. Finally, you'll learn how to analyze the packets using statistics, including how to locate the top TCP conversation or IPv4 talker, identify network congestion or a security threat. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of Wireshark Command Line tools needed to capture and filter packets, and also convert and analyze packet capture files (pcaps).

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Capturing Packets Using Dumpcap and Tshark

Filtering Packets Using Dumpcap, Tshark, and Editcap

Managing Pcaps Using Editcap and Mergecap

Analyzing Pcaps Using Tshark

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines essential packet analysis concepts and techniques using Wireshark command-line tools

Taught by Betty DuBois, who is recognized for their work in packet analysis

Develops core skills for security and network engineers as well as software developers

Emphasizes practical application in real-world troubleshooting scenarios

Requires access to a Windows machine with Wireshark CLI tools in the PATH statement

Assumes familiarity with command-line environments and packet analysis principles

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 Using Wireshark Command Line Tools with these activities:

Find a mentor who specializes in Wireshark Command Line Tools

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Accelerate your learning by connecting with an experienced professional who can provide guidance and support.

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Identify potential mentors through industry networks, professional organizations, or online platforms.
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in their guidance.
Set up regular meetings or communications to discuss your progress and receive feedback.

Compile a resource library on Wireshark Command Line Tools

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Establish a comprehensive foundation of resources for future reference and skill development.

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Gather relevant articles, tutorials, documentation, and other resources related to Wireshark Command Line Tools.
Organize and categorize the resources based on topics or use cases.
Create a central repository or document to house the compiled resources.
Share the resource library with fellow learners or the community.

Attend an industry workshop on Wireshark Command Line Tools

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Enhance your knowledge and skills by engaging with experts and practitioners in the field.

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Identify an industry workshop focused on Wireshark Command Line Tools.
Register and attend the workshop.
Actively participate in the workshop sessions and discussions.
Network with other attendees and industry professionals.

Five other activities

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Troubleshoot network performance issues using Wireshark CLI tools

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Develop your problem-solving abilities by applying Wireshark CLI tools to identify and resolve network performance issues.

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Simulate or identify a network performance issue.
Capture and analyze network traffic using Wireshark CLI tools.
Identify performance bottlenecks or anomalies within the network traffic.
Design and implement solutions to resolve the identified performance issues.

Analyze network traffic using tshark and Wireshark filters

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Strengthen your ability to isolate and examine specific network traffic using tshark and Wireshark filters.

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Set up a network traffic capture environment.
Use tshark to capture network traffic.
Analyze the captured traffic using Wireshark filters to identify specific patterns or events.
Refine and optimize the filters for more precise analysis.

Contribute to the Wireshark open source community

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Deepen your understanding of Wireshark's inner workings and support the open source community.

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Identify a specific area or feature within Wireshark to contribute to.
Read the Wireshark documentation and familiarize yourself with its codebase.
Propose your contribution idea to the Wireshark community.
Develop and test your code changes.
Submit your contribution to the Wireshark repository for review.

Utilize a command line interface to automate Wireshark tasks

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Get hands-on experience to enhance your understanding of Wireshark command line tools and their applications.

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Identify a task that can be automated with Wireshark CLI tools.
Research and select appropriate Wireshark CLI tools for the task.
Create a script or command sequence to automate the task.
Test and refine the script or command sequence to ensure it executes the task effectively.

Document a network troubleshooting case study using Wireshark CLI tools

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Reinforce your understanding of how to apply Wireshark CLI tools to analyze and resolve network issues.

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Select a network troubleshooting scenario.
Capture and analyze network traffic using Wireshark CLI tools.
Identify the root cause of the network issue based on the analysis.
Document the troubleshooting process and findings in a detailed case study.

Career center

Learners who complete Using Wireshark Command Line Tools will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve network issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Computer Network Architects build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Network Security Analyst

Network Security Analysts identify and resolve network security issues. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve security threats. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Network Security Analysts build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve network issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Network Administrators build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve security threats. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Security Engineers build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve software issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Software Engineers build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers plan, implement, and manage information technology systems. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve IT issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Information Technology Managers build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, develop, and maintain computer systems. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve system issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Systems Analysts build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve database issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Database Administrators build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computer technologies. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve computer science issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Computer Scientists build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers plan, implement, and manage information security systems. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve security threats. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Information Security Managers build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software systems to ensure quality. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve software quality issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Quality Assurance Analysts build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve network issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Network Engineers build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and implement cloud computing solutions. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve cloud computing issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Cloud Architects build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve data analysis issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help Data Analysts build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers design and implement DevOps practices. In doing so, they often use Wireshark to analyze network traffic and identify and resolve DevOps issues. The Using Wireshark Command Line Tools course can help DevOps Engineers build a foundation in using Wireshark, which can help them be more effective in their roles.

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