Several tools were mentioned in this lecture as well as in y…

Several tools were mentioned in this lecture as well as in your textbook…  Install one of these tools of your choice and experiment.   Afterwards, write a brief summary concerning this tool.  Since this is a Master’s level course, I will expect your submissions to be in APA Style.  Double Spaced in Times New Roman 12pt. font and if you use any references please cite them per APA guidelines. I would also expect to see screenshots of your work. Please, include why did you choose the tool that you chose.   Also, describe the tool and what functions it performs.  Did you find it helpful?  Was it easy to use?  What is your opinion on the tool? Your summary should be 3-4 pages long not including a title page and reference page.

Title: Summary of Network Monitoring Tool: Wireshark

Introduction
In the realm of network monitoring, various tools provide essential functionalities for capturing and analyzing network traffic data. This summary focuses on Wireshark, a popular open-source network monitoring tool widely used by professionals in the field. Wireshark allows users to capture, examine, and dissect network packets for troubleshooting, security analysis, and performance optimization purposes. This tool was chosen for evaluation due to its reputation, extensive feature set, and availability across multiple platforms.

Functionality of Wireshark
Wireshark, initially known as Ethereal, is designed to capture and analyze network packets in real-time. Notably, it supports various protocols and offers extensive filtering capabilities to aid in the identification and resolution of network issues. The tool is primarily used to analyze packet-level data, enabling network administrators to understand network behavior, diagnose network problems, and detect potential security breaches.

Capturing Network Traffic
One of the key functionalities of Wireshark is capturing network traffic. By listening to network interfaces or reading stored capture files, Wireshark enables users to capture and inspect packets flowing through a network. This capability is particularly useful for monitoring network behavior, identifying anomalous patterns, and diagnosing performance-related issues. The captured packets can be filtered based on specific parameters, allowing users to focus on relevant network traffic for analysis.

Packet Analysis
Wireshark provides an extensive set of tools for the analysis of captured packet data. Users can dissect packets to examine protocol information, decode packet payloads, and inspect packet headers. With support for numerous protocols, including common ones such as TCP, UDP, and IP, as well as more specialized protocols, Wireshark offers a comprehensive toolkit for deep packet inspection. This enables the identification of network latency, packet loss, and potential security vulnerabilities, contributing to the overall network performance optimization and security enhancement.

Filtering and Searching
To manage the vast amount of captured data, Wireshark incorporates robust filtering and searching capabilities. Users can apply various filters based on source/destination IP addresses, port numbers, protocol types, and other packet attributes. These filters allow for specific data extraction and focus the analysis on relevant packets, improving efficiency and reducing analysis time. Additionally, Wireshark provides a powerful searching mechanism, enabling users to find specific packet strings or patterns within the captured data, further facilitating effective analysis.

Usability and Impressions
In terms of usability, Wireshark offers a user-friendly graphical interface that simplifies navigation and facilitates efficient packet analysis. The interface presents captured packets in a human-readable format, presenting information such as source/destination IP addresses, port numbers, and protocol details. This visual representation aids in interpreting the packet data, minimizing the learning curve for users and enhancing their ability to detect and resolve network issues.

Furthermore, Wireshark supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and UNIX, making it accessible to a broad audience. Its open-source nature allows for continuous development, with frequent updates and improvements contributed by an active community of developers and users. However, due to the vast array of features and settings available in Wireshark, novice users may require some time to become familiar with its capabilities and effectively utilize its functionalities.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Wireshark is a powerful network monitoring tool that offers extensive capabilities for capturing and analyzing network traffic. With its broad protocol support, filtering options, and user-friendly interface, Wireshark enables network administrators to diagnose network issues, optimize performance, and enhance network security. Its extensive feature set and availability across multiple platforms make it a suitable choice for professionals in the field who seek a comprehensive solution for network monitoring and analysis.

References
[Insert references here per APA guidelines]

(Note: Screenshots of Wireshark usage will be provided in the accompanying document.)