If you have ever wanted to understand what really happens inside a network, Wireshark is the perfect tool to start with. It shows you every packet that travels through your system - like opening a window into your network's live traffic.
Wireshark is powerful, free, open source, and widely used by cybersecurity experts, IT professionals, and network admins. But do not - even if you are a beginner, you can learn the basic easily.
This guide will walk you through what Wireshark is, how it works, and how you can use it to understand your own network.
What is Wireshark?
Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer. It captures the data packets moving in and out of your device and help you;
Monitor network activity
Detect unusual or malicious traffic
Troubleshoot slow networks
Learn how protocols behave
Understand network security
Think of it as a microscope for network traffic.
Why Do People Use Wireshark?
Wireshark is popular because it offers:
Real time packet capture
Advanced filtering options
Support for hundreds of protocols
User friendly interface
It is used in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, network troubleshooting, and even learning how the internet works.
Wireshark Basics: Key Features You Should Know
Here are the features you will use most:
Packet Capture
Wireshark captures every packet that enters or leaves your device.
Packet Filtering
You can filter traffic by IP, protocol, port, or keywords.
Packet Decode
Wireshark can decode protocols such as HTTP, DNS, TCP, UDP, TLS, and more.
Traffic Visualization
Color coding helps you quickly identify types of packets.
How to Install Wireshark (Step by Step)
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to: wireshark.org
Step 2: Download Your Version
Choose Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Step 3: Install WinPcap / Npcap (Window)
This helps Wireshark capture network packets.
Step 4: Complete Installation
Use default setting if you are a beginner. That is it! Wireshark is now ready to use.
How to Capture Packets in Wireshark
Step 1: Open Wireshark
When you launch it, you will see a list of available network interface.
Step 2: Select Your Network Interface
Pick the one currently active. On most devices, this is:
Wi-Fi
Ethernet
Local Network Adapter
Step 3: Start Capturing
Click Start Capture (shark fin icon). You will immediately see packets appearing in real time.
Step 4: Stop Capture
Click the red square to stop.
Understanding the Wireshark Interface
Wireshark's window has three main parts:
Packet List Pane
Show every packet captured.
What you see:
Timestamp
Source
Destination
Protocol
Packet info
Packet Details Pane
Show the packet breakdown. You can expand layers like:
Ethernet
IP
TCP/UDP
Application level data
Packet Bytes Pane
Show the raw data in hexadecimal form.
Using Filter in Wireshark (Very Important)
Filtering help you search for only the packets you want.
Common Filters:
Show only HTTP packet → http
Show only TCP packets → tcp
Packets from an IP → ip.src == 192.168.1.5
Packet to an IP → ip.dst == 192.168.1.5
Filter by port → tcp.port == 80
Filter DNS traffic → dns
Example:
ip.dst ==142.250.0.0
Filter are extremely helpful when dealing with thousands of packets.
Real World Example: Check Slow Internet
Wireshark can help diagnose slow networks.
What to look for:
High number of TCP retransmissions
DNS lookup delay
Duplicate packets
ARP requests flooding
Example filter to find problem packets:
tcp.analysis.retransmission
If these appear often, it means your network connection has issues.
Pros & Cons of Using Wireshark
Pros
Free and open source
Easy to install
Supports hundreds of protocols
Excellent for learning networking
Used by professionals
Cons
Needs admin privileges
Not a hacking tool (just captures traffic)
Can be complex for beginners
Safety Tips While Using Wireshark
Only capture network traffic on networks you own or have permission to monitor.
Avoid capturing passwords or sensitive information.
Do not use it on public Wi-Fi without legal authorization.
Conclusion
Wireshark is one of the best tools for understanding what happens inside your network. Even as a beginner, you can learn heaps about protocols, traffic flow, and network troubleshooting.
By learning the basics - capturing packets, filtering, and reading packet details - you will start seeing your network in a whole new way.
Whether you are learning networking, exploring cybersecurity, or solving network problems, Wireshark is a tool you should absolutely master.
FAQs About Wireshark Basics
Q1. Is Wireshark safe to use?
Yes, it is 100% safe if downloaded from the official website and used legally.
Q2. Can Wireshark capture password?
It can, but only on insecure (unencrypted) protocols - and only on networks you are authorized to monitor.
Q3. Is Wireshark useful for beginners?
Absolutely. It is one of the best tools for learning network fundamentals.
Q4. Can I use Wireshark for hacking?
No. Wireshark is a packet analyzer, not a hacking tool.
Q5. What operating systems support Wireshark?
Windows, macOS, Linux, and several Unix-based systems.
