Lab 1 Assignment: Your Assignment For This Lab Is To Provide

Lab 1 Assignmentyour Assignment For This Lab Is To Provide Two Packets

Your assignment for this lab is to provide two packets from the packet capture. · Provide the packet that provides the DNS query for . o Hint: Type in DNS in the Filter box at the top of the screen and then click Apply. This will bring up only DNS packets. If you stopped the packet capture immediately after going to the packet will be near the bottom of the list. For the lab report, provide the text of the packet or provide a screenshot of the packet as shown in Wireshark.

Lab 1 Questions

Lab Question 1: When navigating through the packet capture, why were there so many other TCP/UDP connections beyond the request for?

Lab Question 2: From the packet capture, why are there packets from other areas of (like alumni.snhu.edu)?

Lab Question 3: What are some of the reasons why a network administrator would use a packet capture program like Wireshark?

Paper For Above instruction

Packet analysis using Wireshark is a fundamental skill for network administrators and cybersecurity professionals. This assignment involves identifying specific network packets and understanding their purpose within the broader context of network communication. The task requires capturing network traffic, filtering for relevant packets, and analyzing their content to answer key questions related to network activity and management.

The first task is to identify and provide two packets from a packet capture: specifically, the DNS query packet for a certain domain. By filtering for DNS packets in Wireshark, the user can narrow down the captured data to locate the DNS request. The DNS query packet reveals the process where a client requests the IP address associated with a domain name. Sharing either the text of this packet or a screenshot ensures clarity and provides concrete evidence of the capture process.

The first question explores why multiple TCP/UDP connections are observed beyond the initial request. In typical network operations, the presence of numerous TCP/UDP connections indicates background communications necessary for various services, such as session management, data transfer, or protocol handshakes. These connections can include internal system operations, application traffic, or background processes that occur concurrently with the primary data exchange.

The second question addresses the observations of packets from other domain areas, such as alumni.snhu.edu. These are likely ongoing communications between the client and different servers, possibly related to access to various web resources, updates, or services hosted by the institution. Such traffic is common during browsing sessions or when multiple resources are requested by the user’s device.

The third question delves into the reasons why network administrators use packet capture tools like Wireshark. These tools are crucial for troubleshooting network issues, analyzing traffic patterns, detecting anomalies or malicious activities, and ensuring network security. Wireshark provides detailed insights into data exchanges, helping administrators diagnose problems, optimize performance, and monitor network health.

In summary, packet captures are essential for understanding complex network behaviors. They enable administrators to see beyond high-level metrics and analyze specific data flows, making them invaluable for maintaining network security and efficiency. Proper use and analysis of Wireshark data help administrators swiftly identify issues, investigate suspicious activities, and ensure the smooth operation of their networks.

References

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