4.9. Task 4.9a: Using the Built-in Protocol Analyzer

One of the power tools in the back pocket of administrators who understand the nuts and bolts of networking is the protocol analyzer. These gems come in many shapes and forms. There are simple software applications installed on one or more systems, some of which only monitor their own inbound and outbound traffic. And there are stand-alone devices that monitor literally every frame that passes by. Regardless of the form in which the analyzer comes, the basic effect is the same. These tools capture frames from the network and allow you to dissect them for pertinent information or trend analysis.

Microsoft's server operating systems offer a basic form of protocol analyzer called Network Monitor. ...

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