Wireshark (formerly called Ethereal) is the world's most powerful "packet sniffer", allowing its users to uncover valuable information about computer networks (whether theirs or others'). Rather than simply take readers through Wireshark's tools Practical Packet Analysis shows how to use the software to monitor their own networks. The book is aimed at network engineers and system administrators, but it's clear enough for even Wireshark newbies. The author begins by discussing how networks communicate and builds from there to give readers a solid understanding of how packets travel along the wire. The second half of the book contains real-world examples and case scenarios that help readers apply the knowledge they learn to their own networks. Includes a bonus CD with trace file examples that readers can explore on their own as well as videos that show packet analysis in action.
