Module 9 Network Protocol Analysis

Network Protocol
Analysis
Network Protocol
Analysis
• Network Protocol Analysis involves examining and
understanding that flows across a computer
network.
• This analysis is done by capturing, decoding, and
interpreting the packets of data that are transmitted
between devices on the network.
Introduction to network protocol
analysis tools
• Network protocol analysis tools are software
applications designed to capture, analyze, and
interpret data packets that flow through a computer
network.
• Network protocol analysis tools are software
applications designed to capture, analyze, and
interpret data packets that flow through a computer
network.
 There are several network protocol analysis tools available,
each with its own features and strengths. Here's a list of
some popular ones:
 Wire shark
Wire shark is one of the most widely used and powerful
packet analysis tools. It supports a variety of platforms and
provides detailed packet-level analysis.
 Tcpdump
tcpdump is a command-line packet analyzer for Unix-like
systems. It captures and displays packet data on the
terminal and can save data to a file for later analysis.
 Ethereal:
Ethereal is the predecessor of Wire shark and is still used in
some environments. It offers similar packet analysis
capabilities.
 NetMon (Microsoft Network Monitor)
NetMon is another Microsoft tool for network protocol
analysis. It allows real-time capturing and analysis of
network traffic.
 Capsa
Capsa is a comprehensive network analyzer that provides
both real-time and historical packet analysis, along with
network monitoring features.
 Omni peek
Omni peek is a network protocol analyzer that supports both
wired and wireless networks. It provides in-depth analysis
and troubleshooting capabilities.
Network protocol analysis tools
 Microsoft Message Analyzer
 SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
 Snort
 ColasoftCapsa
 NetFlow Analyzer
 Tshark
Capturing and analyzing network
traffic
 Capturing and analyzing network traffic is a fundamental

aspect of network protocol analysis.
 This process involves monitoring and examining the data
packets that are transmitted over a computer network.
 capturing and analyzing network traffic is a critical practice
for maintaining the health, security, and optimal
performance of computer networks.
WHY we capturing and analyzing
network traffic
 Capturing and analyzing network traffic is crucial for several

reasons, all of which contribute to the effective
management, optimization, and security of computer
networks.
 Here are some key reasons why capturing and analyzing
network traffic is essential.
 Troubleshooting Network Issues: Network
problems can occur for various reasons, such as
misconfigurations, hardware failures, or excessive
traffic.
 Optimizing Network Performance: By
understanding how the network is utilized,
administrators can optimize configurations, allocate
resources efficiently, and ensure the overall
performance.
 Security Monitoring and Threat Detection:
Monitoring network traffic is crucial for detecting
security threats and anomalies.
 Compliance and Auditing: Many industries and
organizations have regulatory compliance
requirements.
 Network Planning and Capacity Management:
Analyzing traffic patterns over time helps in
planning for future network expansions.
 Policy Enforcement: Analyzing network traffic helps
in enforcing network policies, ensuring that users
adhere to established guidelines regarding
acceptable use
Troubleshooting network issues using packet captures
 Troubleshooting network issues using packet

captures is a powerful and common practice in the
field of network administration.
Why Troubleshoot with Packet Captures
 Real-Time Analysis: Packet captures offer real-time
insights into network activities.
 Verification of Protocols and Configurations:
Troubleshooting often involves verifying that protocols and
configurations are functioning as intended.
• Detection of Network Attacks or Anomalies:Packet
captures can reveal signs of network attacks or
abnormal behaviors
• Isolation of Specific Devices or Traffic Types:
Troubleshooting sometimes requires isolating
specific devices or types of traffic.
• Identification of Latency and Performance
Issues:Latency and performance problems can have
a significant impact on user experience.
How to Troubleshoot with
Packet Captures
• Identify the Issue:Before capturing packets, identify the

symptoms or issues affecting the network, such as slow
performance, connectivity problems, or service disruptions.
• Filter and Analyze:Apply filters to focus on the packets
relevant to the issue.
• Protocol Analysis: Use protocol analysis to examine how
devices communicate. Look for errors, retransmissions, or
deviations from expected behaviors.
• Compare with Baseline:Compare the packet capture data
with a baseline of normal network behavior to identify
deviations.
Identifying and resolving protocol-related
problems
 Identifying and resolving protocol-related problems

is a critical aspect of network administration.
 Network protocols define the rules and conventions
for communication between devices on a network
and when issues arise, they can lead to connectivity
problems, performance degradation, or even
security vulnerabilities.
Identifying Protocol-Related
Problems:
 Monitor Network Performance:Regularly monitor

network performance using tools like performance
monitoring software or network analyzers to detect
unusual patterns or deviations.
 Check for Error Messages:Examine error messages on
network devices or in log files for indications of protocol-
related issues. Error messages often provide clues about
the nature of the problem.
 Verify Configurations:Check the configurations of network
devices, ensuring that they are consistent with the protocol
specifications.
 Examine Protocol-Specific Metrics:Focus on metrics
specific to the problematic protocol. For example, for
TCP/IP-related issues, check metrics like retransmission
rates, round-trip times, and TCP window sizes.
 Perform Network Audits:Conduct periodic network audits
to identify outdated or deprecated protocols. Ensure that
the network is using the latest and most secure versions of
protocols.
 Collaborate with Vendors:Reach out to vendors for devices
or software that utilize the problematic protocols.
Resolving Protocol-Related
Problems
• Update Firmware and Software

• Review and Adjust Configurations
• Implement Security Measures
• Replace Deprecated Protocols
• Optimize Network Architecture
• Document Changes and Resolutions
 By systematically identifying and resolving protocol-related
problems, network administrators can ensure the reliability,
security, and efficiency of the network infrastructure.
Regular monitoring, proactive maintenance, and
collaboration with vendors are key elements of successful

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Network Protocol

 Capturing and analyzing network traffic is a fundamental

 Capturing and analyzing network traffic is crucial for several

 Troubleshooting network issues using packet

• Identify the Issue:Before capturing packets, identify the

 Identifying and resolving protocol-related problems

 Monitor Network Performance:Regularly monitor

• Update Firmware and Software

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