Wireshark - capture data

Sometimes it is useful for debugging purposes to analyse the data on the AlphaCom ethernet port. This article describes how to use the PC program Wireshark to capture data from the ethernet port of the AlphaCom.

In order to capture data you need the following equippment:

• A PC with a

• Wireshark (formerly known as Ethereal)

Note that a HUB must be used, not a switch.

A protocol analyzer connected to a switch does not always receive all the desired packets since the switch separates the ports into different segments. Connecting the protocol analyzer to a hub allows it to see all the traffic on the segment. (Expensive switches can be configured to allow one port to listen in on traffic from another port. This is called port mirroring. However, these cost much more than a hub.)