A network analyzer decodes the various protocol layers in a recorded frame
and presents them as readable abbreviations or summaries. A network analyzer
details which layer is involved and what function each byte or byte content
serves. Network analyzers are also referred to as protocol analyzers or packet
sniffers. Fluke provides two different dedicated devices, the OptiView and the
WaveRunner, which both provide wireless analysis.
Several wireless
software packages are available including WildPackets, Airopeek, Network
Stumbler, and Sniffer Wireless
.
Most network analyzers can perform the following functions:
- Filter traffic that meets certain criteria, for example, all traffic to and
from a particular device can be captured
- Time stamp captured data
- Present protocol layers in an easily readable form
- Generate frames and transmit them onto the network
- Incorporate an expert system in which the analyzer uses a set of rules,
combined with information about the network configuration and operation, to
diagnose and solve network problems