Wireshark Lab: Setting Up Scenario And Packet Capture

Wireshark Labsetting Up Scenario And Packet Capture1 Start Your Wires

Conduct a Wireshark packet capture on your network adapter while performing specific network activities: pinging google.com, logging into the Monroe student portal, and accessing the eLearn portal. After capturing traffic for about 5 minutes, stop the capture and analyze the captured packets to answer specific questions: provide screenshots of the first ping request to google.com, identify the protocol used for this request, capture the DNS record query made to monrocollege.edu or elearn.monroecollege.edu, determine the type of DNS query involved, and filter the capture to show only TCP protocol packets.

Paper For Above instruction

In the context of network protocol analysis, Wireshark serves as a vital tool for capturing and examining network traffic. This paper describes a structured approach to using Wireshark for network troubleshooting and understanding communication protocols involving DNS and ICMP, commonly used in everyday network activities such as web browsing and online login sessions.

Initially, the setup involves launching Wireshark on the appropriate network interface to monitor traffic during active internet connectivity. By performing actions such as pinging google.com, logging into the Monroe student portal, and accessing eLearn, the capture encompasses various network requests and responses. These activities generate different types of network packets, including ICMP echo requests, DNS queries, and TCP segments, providing comprehensive data for analysis.

The first task involves capturing the initial ping request to google.com. Ping uses the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) to send echo request packets to the target server. Analyzing the Wireshark capture reveals this request, which can be identified by filtering for ICMP packets or locating the first occurrence of an ICMP echo request directed toward google.com’s IP address. The screenshot of this packet exemplifies the structure of ICMP requests, including source and destination IP addresses, sequence number, and payload details.

Further, understanding the protocol used for the ping request facilitates comprehension of network diagnostics. ICMP is integral for network troubleshooting, enabling devices to send diagnostic messages and verify connectivity. Recognizing ICMP packets in Wireshark allows network administrators to verify successful reachability of destination hosts and diagnose network issues efficiently.

The subsequent analysis involves capturing the DNS query for monrocollege.edu or elearn.monroecollege.edu. DNS queries are typically UDP-based, though TCP can be employed for larger responses. The captured DNS record provides details such as query type, class, and the queried domain name. A screenshot of this query illustrates a standard DNS question section, identifying the domain name requested and the DNS server involved in resolving the domain.

Identifying the DNS query type is crucial; common types include A (Address record), AAAA (IPv6 address), MX (Mail exchange), and TXT. In most web browsing scenarios, an A record query is typical for resolving domain names to IPv4 addresses. The Wireshark capture reveals the specific DNS query type, which informs on how the DNS server processes requests for different resource records.

Finally, filtering Wireshark traffic to display only TCP protocol packets provides insights into connection-oriented communications. TCP filtering isolates streams such as HTTP, HTTPS, or other TCP-based services, facilitating detailed analysis of session establishment, data transfer, and termination. This filtering refines focus and aids in understanding specific application-layer behaviors over TCP/IP networks.

Effective network analysis using Wireshark hinges on proper setup, capturing relevant traffic, and precise filtering. Understanding how to identify and interpret ICMP, DNS, and TCP packets is essential for diagnosing network issues, verifying connectivity, and understanding application behaviors. Mastery of these techniques enhances network troubleshooting skills and deepens comprehension of the underlying protocols that enable internet and enterprise network operations.

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