Packet Captures and Network Devices

Using packet papture software like Wireshark is a useful troubleshooting technique that can be used to examine packets and gather details to help find the root of a problem. In my previous post, I talked a little bit about how to use Wireshark and walked through some steps to run a simple packet capture from a PC. This time, I'm going to go a bit deeper into the how to for doing packet captures.

Tags: Blogs, LAN, WireShark,

Packet Captures, Plain and Simple

One of the features I've seen in newer small network routers is the inclusion of a packet sniffer/capture/trace tool within the diagnostic menus of the device. Routers I've recently tested with this functionality include the SonicWall TZ190W, D-Link DFLCPG310, and Netgear's newly released FVX538 and FVS336G.

In each case, these devices have the ability to capture packets on a specific WAN port and/or on the LAN interface. Some of these routers have more sophisticated filtering capabilities than the other, but they all seem to have the same basic functionality of capturing packets.

Tags: Blogs, LAN, WireShark,

The Tao of Multimedia Production Networking - Part 3

In the final chapter, we find out about wireless and VPN and whether our hero gets the girl.

Tags: LAN, VPN, WiFi,

The Tao of Multimedia Production Networking - Part 2

In Part 2, David Hawkins maintains peace and harmony between heavy and light parts of the network.

Tags: gigabit, LAN,

Atheros sampling 10/100 switch chip

Atheros today announced that it is sampling a low-cost six port 10/100 Ethernet switch chip to key customers.

The company said the AR8216 will allow it to provide networking customers with "all of the major silicon required for complete wire-to-wireless router solutions". Atheros chose to produce a 10/100 switch instead of a gigabit Ethernet version because it believes that is where the volume will be in the near term.

Tags: Atheros, LAN, Switch,

The Tao of Multimedia Production Networking - Part 1

Designing a network for the demands of film production can teach valuable lessons, grasshopper. David Hawkins shows us the way.

Tags: gigabit, LAN,

How To: Wake on LAN / Wake on WAN

Waking your PC up over the Internet can come in handy. Doug Reid shows you how.

Tags: How To, LAN,

InterWorking Labs announces portable $1,500 network emulator

InterWorking Labs today announced Mini Maxwell, a portable, low-cost network emulator.

The product is a Layer 2 network emulator with the ability to apply packet impairments including drop/lose, duplicate, delay and reordering to five user-defined traffic "bands" in both transmit and receive directions. A variety of packet filters can be applied including IPv4 source/destination address, Layer 3 source/destination port, protocol, MAC address and more.

The Mini Maxwell measures 6" x 6" x 1" weighs less than two pounds and is controlled via a web interface. Two 10/100 Ethernet ports are available for traffic and one for control.

The product is available now for $1,499 direct from InternetWorking Labs' website.

Tags: emulator, InterWorking Labs, LAN,

Homegrown Networks

Readers share their stories about building their own home networks. We look at three systems, one of which takes an especially unique approach to component integration.

Tags: How To, LAN, LAN Wiring,

HomePlug Turbo Adapter Round-Up

HomePlug "Turbo" technology prominently touts that it delivers data at "up to 85 Mbps" rates. But Tim Higgins found that the usual games that manufacturers play with throughput claims has been taken to new lows with these products.

Tags: Actiontec, HomePlug, Intellon, LAN, Netgear, powerline, SMC,

Making a little Magic on your Network

Setting up a small LAN isn't always easy for the newbie. David Strom looks at two products that try and somewhat succeed at easing the pain of getting a small LAN up and running.

Tags: LAN, Network Magic,

How To: Diary of a New Home Network- Part 2

Tim Higgins is back with Part 2 of his new home network adventures. This time it's all about the connections - wall plates and patch panels, that is.

Tags: Design, Home Network, How To, LAN, Wiring,

How To: Diary of a New Home Network- Part 1

Designing a system to distribute communications and electronic entertainment services around a new home can be a daunting task. But with the right approach, you don't have to be a master of the home networking universe to do it, and you might even have fun! Tim Higgins recently did just that.

Tags: Design, Home Network, How To, LAN, Wiring,

LAN Party How To - Part 3: LAN Management and Troubleshooting

Chris Dickens' series has so far shown you how to organize a smooth-running LAN party and get it powered properly. This time he offers tips on choosing networking gear, installing it and handling the problems that come with the territory.

Tags: How To, LAN,

LAN Party How To - Part 2: Building the LAN

You can't have a LAN Party without a LAN and you shouldn't set up your party's LAN before reading the latest installment of our How To. Chris Dickens returns to step you through what it takes to set up a fast, robust LAN that can handle plenty of fraggin'.

Tags: How To, LAN,