Are you looking for a reliable network monitoring tool to help you monitor and troubleshoot your network? If so, you may have come across Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark. Both of these tools are powerful and reliable network monitoring and analysis tools. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll compare the features and capabilities of Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark, to help you decide which one is the best option for your needs.
| Microsoft Network Monitor | Wireshark |
|---|---|
| Network Monitor is a packet sniffer and protocol analyzer. | Wireshark is an open source packet analyzer used for network troubleshooting and analysis. |
| It captures network traffic and displays it in a user-friendly format. | It captures and displays network data in real time. |
| It is available for Windows Operating System. | It is available for Windows, Linux and Mac Operating Systems. |
| It is used to troubleshoot network related problems. | It is used to analyze and debug network protocols. |
| It is a closed source and proprietary software. | It is an open source and free to use software. |
Chart Comparing: Microsoft Network Monitor Vs Wireshark
| Comparison | Microsoft Network Monitor | Wireshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Platforms Supported | Windows | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Supported Protocols | NetBIOS, IP, TCP, ICMP, DHCP, DNS, OSPF, etc. | NetBIOS, IP, TCP, ICMP, DHCP, DNS, OSPF, etc. |
| Capture Capabilities | Passive capture | Active capture |
| Network Analysis | Packets filtering, analysis of data frame and protocol header | Statistical analysis, graphical analysis, packet filtering and search |
| Export | Streams to text, binary, or XML | PCAPNG, PCAP, CSV, XML, Postscript, Text and more |
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Microsoft Network Monitor vs Wireshark
Overview of Microsoft Network Monitor
Microsoft Network Monitor (MNM) is an application that can be used to monitor network traffic. It is a part of the Windows operating system, available for Windows XP and later versions. It is used to capture, analyze, and display network traffic, allowing users to troubleshoot network problems. MNM has a simple and intuitive user interface, making it easy to use for novices. It is capable of capturing data from a variety of network protocols, such as Ethernet, IP, and TCP. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6, and can be used to capture traffic from multiple network interfaces.
MNM also offers a range of features that make it suitable for network monitoring. It is capable of capturing network traffic in real-time, and can be used to save captured data to a file for later analysis. It supports packet filtering, allowing users to limit the types of data captured. It is also capable of capturing data from a wide range of devices, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.
Advantages of Microsoft Network Monitor
One of the main advantages of Microsoft Network Monitor is its ease of use. Its simple user interface makes it ideal for novices, and it can be used to quickly capture network traffic. It also supports a wide range of protocols and devices, making it suitable for a variety of network monitoring tasks. It is also capable of capturing data in real-time, and can be used to save captured data to a file for later analysis.
Another advantage of MNM is its ability to filter packets. This allows users to limit the types of data captured, making it easier to focus on a specific type of network traffic. In addition, it supports both IPv4 and IPv6, making it suitable for monitoring both types of networks.
Disadvantages of Microsoft Network Monitor
One of the main disadvantages of Microsoft Network Monitor is its limited features. It does not offer the same level of features as some other network monitoring applications, such as Wireshark. It also does not offer the same level of support for network protocols as some other applications, such as Wireshark. In addition, it does not support as many network devices as some other applications.
Overview of Wireshark
Wireshark is a free and open-source network protocol analyzer. It is used to capture, analyze, and display network traffic. It is available for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is capable of capturing data from a variety of network protocols, including Ethernet, IP, and TCP. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6, and can be used to capture traffic from multiple network interfaces.
Wireshark is a powerful tool for analyzing network traffic. It supports packet filtering, allowing users to limit the types of data captured. It is capable of capturing data in real-time, and can be used to save captured data to a file for later analysis. It also has a range of features, such as protocol dissection, that make it suitable for network forensics.
Advantages of Wireshark
One of the main advantages of Wireshark is its features. It offers a wide range of features, such as protocol dissection, that make it suitable for network forensics. It is also capable of capturing data in real-time, and can be used to save captured data to a file for later analysis.
Another advantage of Wireshark is its support for network protocols. It supports a wide range of protocols, making it suitable for a variety of network monitoring tasks. It also supports a wide range of network devices, making it suitable for monitoring a variety of networks.
Disadvantages of Wireshark
One of the main disadvantages of Wireshark is its complexity. Its user interface is not as intuitive as some other network monitoring applications, making it unsuitable for novices. In addition, it requires a certain degree of technical knowledge in order to use it effectively.
or Summary
Microsoft Network Monitor vs Wireshark
Pros
- Microsoft Network Monitor is an easy to use monitoring tool with a user-friendly interface.
- It is compatible with Windows OS, making it more accessible for Windows users.
- It is capable of capturing both Ethernet and wireless network traffic.
- It can be used to analyze traffic from multiple sources simultaneously.
- It has a built-in packet editor, making it easier to edit packets.
Cons
- Microsoft Network Monitor can only be used on Windows OS.
- It does not support advanced packet filtering options.
- It does not have a built-in protocol decoder.
- It does not have an integrated packet capture engine.
- It does not support the use of custom scripts to automate tasks.
Microsoft Network Monitor Vs Wireshark: Which Is Better?
Overall, both Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark are excellent tools for network monitoring. Microsoft Network Monitor is a great choice for beginners with its easy-to-use interface and support for Windows systems. On the other hand, Wireshark has a much more powerful feature set with support for many more protocols and operating systems. It is more difficult to use but provides more detailed analysis of network traffic. Ultimately, both of these tools are great options for network monitoring and it ultimately comes down to user preference and the complexity of the task at hand.
Microsoft Network Monitor Vs Wireshark Few Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft Network Monitor?
Microsoft Network Monitor is a network protocol analyzer from Microsoft. It is primarily used to capture, view, and analyze network traffic. The program can capture network traffic from local area networks or from remote computers connected to the network. It also allows for the monitoring of data flows between applications and network services. Network Monitor can capture data from network interfaces, such as Ethernet, Token Ring, and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). It can also capture data from tunneling protocols, such as Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), and Secure Shell (SSH).
What is Wireshark?
Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer. It is used for network troubleshooting, analysis, software and communications protocol development, and education. Wireshark can decode many different protocols, including Ethernet, TCP, UDP, and many more. It can also capture and analyze data from different types of network interfaces, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. Wireshark also has a wide range of features, such as the ability to filter for specific types of traffic, follow streams, and create custom color coding for easier analysis.
What are the key differences between Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark?
The key differences between Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark are the type of platforms they are available on, their features, and the cost. Microsoft Network Monitor is only available on Windows, while Wireshark is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. Wireshark has a wider range of features than Network Monitor, including the ability to filter for specific types of traffic and follow streams. Wireshark is also free, while Network Monitor is a commercial product and requires a license to use.
What are the advantages of using Microsoft Network Monitor?
The advantages of using Microsoft Network Monitor include its integration with Microsoft products, easy-to-use interface, and the ability to capture data from multiple network interfaces. Microsoft Network Monitor is integrated with Windows and can be used to monitor network traffic on Windows-based systems. It also has an easy-to-use graphical user interface, making it easy to use even for those who are not very familiar with network protocols. Network Monitor can also capture data from multiple network interfaces, such as Ethernet, Token Ring, and PPP.
What are the advantages of using Wireshark?
The advantages of using Wireshark include its wide range of features, support for multiple platforms, and its free, open-source license. Wireshark has a wide range of features, including the ability to filter for specific types of traffic, follow streams, and create custom color coding for easier analysis. Wireshark is also available on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, making it suitable for use in a variety of environments. In addition, Wireshark is available under a free, open-source license, making it accessible to anyone.
Which tool is better for network traffic analysis, Microsoft Network Monitor or Wireshark?
The answer to this question depends on the user’s needs and preferences. Microsoft Network Monitor is best for users who are familiar with Windows and want an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Wireshark is better for users who need a wide range of features, support for multiple platforms, or who need the tool to be free.
View Smartphone Traffic with Wireshark on the Same Network [Tutorial]
Overall, Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark are two powerful tools for monitoring network traffic. Although both tools have their own unique strengths and limitations, they are both widely used by network administrators. Microsoft Network Monitor is ideal for basic network monitoring and troubleshooting, while Wireshark provides more advanced network analysis and packet capture capabilities. The decision of which tool to use will depend on the specific needs of the network administrator. Whichever tool you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a powerful and reliable network monitoring solution.