tcpdump
A powerful command-line packet analyzer.
Overview
tcpdump is a common packet analyzer that runs under the command line. It allows the user to display TCP/IP and other packets being transmitted or received over a network to which the computer is attached. Distributed under the BSD license, tcpdump is free software.
✨ Key Features
- Command-line interface
- Packet capture and analysis
- Filtering of network traffic
- Support for a wide range of protocols
- Ability to save captures to a file for later analysis
- Cross-platform compatibility
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Lightweight command-line interface
- Scriptable and easily automated
- Low resource consumption
Unique Value: Provides a powerful and efficient way to capture and analyze network traffic directly from the command line.
🎯 Use Cases (3)
✅ Best For
- Capturing specific network packets for analysis
- Monitoring network traffic from the command line
- Troubleshooting network connectivity issues
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Users who prefer a graphical user interface
- In-depth analysis of application-layer data (better suited for Wireshark or Xplico)
🏆 Alternatives
While Wireshark offers a graphical interface, tcpdump is preferred for its lightweight nature, scriptability, and use in environments without a GUI.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
💰 Pricing
Free tier: Full functionality, no limits.
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