Chapter 3. INTRODUCTION TO WIRESHARK

There are several different packet sniffing applications available for performing network analysis, but we'll be using Wireshark throughout this book. This chapter discusses the history of Wireshark, as well as its benefits, installation, and basic use.

A Brief History of Wireshark

Wireshark has a very rich history. Gerald Combs, a computer science graduate of the University of Missouri at Kansas City, originally developed it out of necessity. The very first version of Combs' application, called Ethereal, was released in 1998 under the GNU Public License (GPL).

Eight years after releasing Ethereal, Combs left his job to pursue other career opportunities. Unfortunately, his employer at that time had full rights ...

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