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Wireshark 101: Packet Analysis Essentials

Wireshark 101: Packet Analysis Essentials

Instructor: Pearson

Included with Coursera Plus

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1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

1 module

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Capture and interpret network traffic with Wireshark
Understand core networking protocols—DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP
Troubleshoot the top five network problems with Wireshark
Analyze a cybersecurity attack with Wireshark

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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There is 1 module in this course

Wireshark is a powerful tool for network analysis, but its vast array of data can be overwhelming for newcomers. This course is designed to demystify Wireshark and provide a practical, hands-on approach to packet analysis. You will learn how to navigate trace files, identify key packets, and apply effective filters to isolate the information that matters most. Through real-world scenarios and interactive assignments, you will develop the skills needed to troubleshoot network issues and investigate cybersecurity incidents with confidence.

The course covers the essentials of the Wireshark interface, including customizing columns, filters, and coloring rules to streamline your workflow and quickly spot anomalies. By working with actual trace files and solving guided exercises, you will gain experience in recognizing normal versus suspicious network behavior and understanding core network protocols. By the end of the course, you will be comfortable using Wireshark as a diagnostic and investigative tool, equipped with the analytical skills to tackle complex network challenges and enhance your IT troubleshooting capabilities.

This module introduces practical packet analysis using Wireshark. It guides learners through capturing network traffic, configuring Wireshark for effective analysis, understanding protocol headers, mastering filtering techniques, troubleshooting real-world network problems, and developing ongoing skills for packet analysis. Each lesson builds hands-on expertise essential for network troubleshooting and analysis.

What's included

40 videos6 assignments

40 videosTotal 233 minutes

Pre-Lesson: Your First Lab8 minutes
Introduction3 minutes
Learning objectives0 minutes
Installing Wireshark3 minutes
Your First Packet Capture7 minutes
Where to Capture on the Network8 minutes
Packet Capture – Best Practices4 minutes
Learning objectives0 minutes
The Default Interface2 minutes
Configuring Columns7 minutes
Coloring Traffic7 minutes
Creating Profiles7 minutes
Saving Filter Buttons3 minutes
The Statistics View5 minutes
Learning objectives0 minutes
The Anatomy of a Packet4 minutes
The Ethernet Frame8 minutes
The IP Header9 minutes
The TCP Header11 minutes
UDP-based Applications3 minutes
Lab 1: Intro to Wireshark8 minutes
Learning objectives0 minutes
Capture Filters vs Display Filters3 minutes
Filtering for IP Addresses6 minutes
Filtering for TCP Conversations5 minutes
Special Filters - Strings5 minutes
Using Time-based Filters8 minutes
Lab 2: Display Filters16 minutes
Lab: Removing the Unnecessary4 minutes
Lab: Exporting Files3 minutes
Learning objectives0 minutes
Lab 3: How to Troubleshoot Packet Loss16 minutes
Lab 4: Network Congestion8 minutes
Lab 5: Slow Application Response13 minutes
Lab 6: TCP Resets12 minutes
Lab 7: TCP Performance Problems6 minutes
Learning objectives0 minutes
How to Get More Practice1 minute
What Other Courses Are There?1 minute
Wireshark 101: Summary0 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 180 minutes

Introduction to Wireshark Quiz30 minutes
How to Interpret Network Traffic Quiz30 minutes
Filtering Network Traffic Quiz30 minutes
The Top Five Network Problems Quiz30 minutes
What’s Next? Quiz30 minutes
End of Assessment Quiz30 minutes

Instructor

Pearson

268 Courses7,607 learners

Offered by

Pearson

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.