CS 3516: Computer Networks

Lab 1

Description

This is the first of series of Wireshark labs that is designed to get you familiar with the Wireshark packet capture tool. You will work through a set of instructions to install Wireshark, gather a trace and do some basic investigation about performance. You will turn in your trace as well as answers to some questions based on the data you gathered.

Details

1. You will work through the entire first Wireshark lab that comes with the Kurose and Ross course textbook, which can be found here Wireshark Lab: Getting Started
2. This assignment is worth - 5 points
3. The points allotted to each question for this lab is given parenthesis next to the question
4. You will need a computer (desktop or laptop) that you can use to install and run Wireshark. Wireshark is available from www.wireshark.org, where you can download binaries for Windows, OS X, and Linux.
5. If you DO NOT have access to a computer you can run Wireshark on, you must let us (cs3516-ta) know as soon as possible. We will do our best to find a way you can still complete the Wireshark projects.
6. Follow the instructions in the lab carefully, with the one exception that you must Save your capture file (Via "File" --> "Save") as the very last step before exiting Wireshark. This will give you a .pcap file which you need to submit

Important Notice (Read carefully)

You must not run Wireshark in promiscuous mode. Promiscuous mode is checked on by default, but can be unchecked in the "Capture" --> "Options" window (where you can select the device and other options). Besides preventing you from violating the AUP by potentially collecting other's traffic, turning off promiscuous mode will greatly reduces the data you are analyzing and collecting, making it easier to read results and submit the data.

Submission

The very last page of the lab includes some questions you are to answer, demonstrating that you have been able to get Wireshark up and running, and have explored some of its capabilities. Your submission should include:

1. A PDF document, with your name, lab name ("Lab 1"), and WPI login at the top , with answers to the questions.
2. The Wireshark capture file (the default extension is .pcap) that you used to answer the questions.

Submit your document electronically via canvas (https://canvas.wpi.edu/) by 11:59pm on the day the assignment is due.

Make sure you choose "Lab 1" under Project drop-down before uploading the zip file.