microsoft network monitor vs wireshark: Get the Main Difference In 2023
When it comes to network monitoring, two of the most popular tools are Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark. Both of these tools have their advantages and disadvantages, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at both of these tools, and compare their features, usability, costs, and more, to help you make the best decision for your network monitoring requirements.
| Microsoft Network Monitor | Wireshark |
|---|---|
| Captures network data using the Windows network driver model. | Captures network data using the libpcap library. |
| Can capture data from multiple network adapters. | Can capture data from multiple network adapters. |
| Has a simple user interface. | Has an advanced user interface. |
| Supports Windows only. | Supports Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. |
| Captures in-depth network data. | Captures in-depth network data. |
Chart Comparing: Microsoft Network Monitor Vs Wireshark
| Microsoft Network Monitor | Wireshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Windows Only | Cross Platform |
| Supported Protocols | TCP, UDP, ICMP, ARP | Most Network Protocols |
| Features | Detailed Capture Filtering, Network Statistics, Export Captures to Text Files | Interactive Captures and Analysis, Graphical Representation of Captures, Advanced Capture Filtering |
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Interface | Simple | Advanced |
| System Requirements | Windows 7 or higher | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Support | Limited | Extensive |
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Microsoft Network Monitor vs Wireshark: A Comprehensive Comparison
Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark are two of the most popular packet sniffing and network analysis tools available. Both programs enable users to analyze network data from a variety of sources, making them invaluable for network monitoring and troubleshooting. But there are several key differences between them, which can be helpful when selecting the best tool for a particular job.
Microsoft Network Monitor is a packet sniffing tool designed for Windows operating systems. It allows users to capture and analyze data from a variety of sources, including local and remote networks, as well as USB and serial ports. It supports a wide range of protocols, including Ethernet, IP, TCP, and many others. Network Monitor also offers advanced features such as protocol decoding, data filtering, and custom response triggers.
Features & Capabilities
Microsoft Network Monitor has a wide range of features and capabilities. It has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to set up and use, and it supports a variety of data capture methods. It can capture data directly from the network, or from files and serial ports. Network Monitor also offers advanced features such as protocol decoding and data filtering.
Wireshark is a cross-platform network protocol analyzer. It supports a wide range of protocols and is available for a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Wireshark allows users to capture and analyze network traffic from a variety of sources, including Ethernet, IP, TCP, and many others. It also offers advanced features such as protocol decoding, data filtering, and custom response triggers.
Ease of Use
Microsoft Network Monitor is designed specifically for Windows platforms and has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to use. It also supports a variety of capture methods, including local and remote networks, as well as USB and serial ports.
Wireshark is designed for a variety of platforms and offers an easy-to-use graphical user interface. It also supports a variety of capture methods and has powerful data filtering and protocol decoding capabilities.
Cost & Availability
Microsoft Network Monitor is available for free for Windows platforms and can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.
Wireshark is available for free and can be downloaded from the Wireshark website. It is available for a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Compatibility & Support
Microsoft Network Monitor is compatible with Windows operating systems and offers support through the Microsoft website.
Wireshark is compatible with a variety of platforms and offers support through the Wireshark website and user forums.
Conclusion
Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark are two of the most popular packet sniffing and network analysis tools available. Both programs offer powerful features and capabilities, but there are several key differences between them. Microsoft Network Monitor is designed specifically for Windows platforms and offers an intuitive user interface, while Wireshark is cross-platform and offers a variety of capture methods. Depending on the user’s needs, either program can be a great choice for packet sniffing and network analysis.
Microsoft Network Monitor vs Wireshark
Pros:
- Microsoft Network Monitor provides easy to use, intuitive graphical user interface with a wide range of options.
- It offers a wide range of protocols that can be monitored and analyzed.
- It provides extensive filtering and packet capture capabilities.
- It is free for both personal and commercial use.
Cons:
- It is limited to Windows-based operating systems.
- It does not have a wide range of features compared to other network monitoring tools.
- It does not support packet analysis and decoding.
- It lacks the capability to capture network traffic over a wide area network.
Microsoft Network Monitor Vs Wireshark: Which Is Better?
In conclusion, both Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark are invaluable tools for network monitoring. Microsoft Network Monitor is better suited for analyzing LANs because of its Windows-only compatibility, while Wireshark is better for analysing WANs due to its cross-platform compatibility. Microsoft Network Monitor is easier to use and has more features than Wireshark, but Wireshark is open-source and provides more detailed information about the network. Ultimately, it depends on the user’s needs and preferences which tool to choose.
Frequently Asked Questions: Microsoft Network Monitor Vs Wireshark
What is Microsoft Network Monitor?
Microsoft Network Monitor (NetMon) is a network protocol analyzer developed by Microsoft and included in the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit and Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit. It was designed to monitor data flows between localhost and other computers over a variety of protocols, including IP, IPX, and NetBEUI. It is useful for troubleshooting network problems and monitoring the performance of network applications.
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. It can be used to capture and browse packets on a network, as well as to analyze packet data. It can decode and display a variety of different protocols, including Ethernet, IP, TCP, UDP, and ICMP.
How do Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark differ?
Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark differ in many ways. Microsoft Network Monitor is a proprietary network protocol analyzer, while Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer. Microsoft Network Monitor only supports Windows operating systems, while Wireshark supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Microsoft Network Monitor is designed to monitor data flows between localhost and other computers, while Wireshark can be used to capture and browse packets on a network, as well as to analyze packet data. Microsoft Network Monitor can decode and display a variety of different protocols, while Wireshark can decode and display a variety of different protocols, including Ethernet, IP, TCP, UDP, and ICMP.
What are the advantages of Microsoft Network Monitor?
Microsoft Network Monitor has several advantages. It is easy to use and provides a graphical user interface. It is designed to monitor data flows between localhost and other computers, making it useful for troubleshooting network problems and monitoring the performance of network applications. It can decode and display a variety of different protocols, including IP, IPX, and NetBEUI. It is also included in the Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit and Windows 2000 Server Resource Kit.
What are the advantages of Wireshark?
Wireshark has several advantages. It is free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone. It supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. It can be used to capture and browse packets on a network, as well as to analyze packet data. It can decode and display a variety of different protocols, including Ethernet, IP, TCP, UDP, and ICMP. It is also useful for network troubleshooting, analysis, software and communications protocol development, and education.
Which is better, Microsoft Network Monitor or Wireshark?
The answer to this question depends on the user’s needs and preferences. Microsoft Network Monitor is proprietary and only supports Windows operating systems, while Wireshark is free and open-source and supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Microsoft Network Monitor is designed to monitor data flows between localhost and other computers, while Wireshark can be used to capture and browse packets on a network, as well as to analyze packet data. Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide which is better for their particular needs.
View Smartphone Traffic with Wireshark on the Same Network
Overall, both Microsoft Network Monitor and Wireshark offer powerful network monitoring solutions. Depending on your needs, either one may be the ideal choice. Microsoft Network Monitor is a great option for those who need a quick and easy way to monitor their network, while Wireshark is better suited for more advanced users who need a more granular level of control. Ultimately, whichever program you choose, you can rest assured knowing that you have a reliable and efficient network monitoring tool on hand.
