Capsa Network Analyzer 13.0

Overview

Capsa Network Analyzer is a professional packet sniffer that can be used to monitor network traffic and resolve issues. Now you can capture the transmitted data over local networks and examine it, with identification support of more than 300 network protocols and network applications based on the protocols. Statistics are available to you for better data organization and easier understanding, whilst you can visualize the whole network and see the connection and traffic between each host.

Installation

Setup is not very difficult; you just have to configure a few settings before the program is installed. You have to choose between Full, Compact and Custom install. Full installation includes the main program with all components (MAC Scanner, Ping Tool, Packet Player and Packet Builder), whilst Compact includes only the main program. In Custom mode you get to choose which features you want to install. A few steps afterwards the installation will begin and will finish in a few minutes.

Supported operating systems are Windows XP, 2003, 2000, Vista and 7.

Interface

Very modern and user friendly interface. Usually professional programs like this are not very attractive, but Capsa Network Analyzer is not like that. It has a smooth interface with nice fonts and buttons with graphics. In the main window there are two tabs: Capture and Replay. In the Capture tab you can see the available adapters, the status of the adapter that you are connected to and the available analysis profiles. Those profiles are 8: Full Analysis, Traffic Monitor, Security Analysis, HTTP Analysis, Email Analysis, DNS Analysis, FTP Analysis and IM Analysis. Every time you select a profile you can see information about it in the pane located on the right side along with loaded modules, packet filters and data storages. When you want to initiate network monitoring you click the “Start” button at the bottom right corner. The second tab is used if you want to add packet files.

When the network analysis starts, the window will transform into a window with many tabs, panes, boxes and tools, but without ruining its ease of use.

Pros

Both Ethernet and WLAN network types are supported, more than one adapter are supported and unlimited LAN IP addresses can be analyzed.

You can schedule a capture to run at a predefined time. For instance you can schedule it to be performed one time, daily or weekly.

The security analysis can detect an ARP attack, Worm activity, DoS attack, TCP Port scanning and suspicious conversations.

In addition, Capsa is capable of identifying more than 300 protocols which makes it easier to analyze the traffic in the network.

You can view the decoding of the packets that are being transmitted in HEX, ASCII and EBCDIC.

A detailed activity report is kept with statistics for each host. It includes tracking of the traffic, IP address, MAC and other information. A unique and impressive feature that is available in Capsa is the Matrix display, which visualizes all the traffic details about every network connection in one graph that has the shape of an ellipse. You can easily view details about any host connected to your network.

Other built-in tools include a Packet player, Packet Builder, MAC scanner and a Ping tool.

Cons

We didn’t face any problems while using the program, not even one bug. And it has so many features that you can’t really ask for more. There are no cons here.

Alternatives

Net Tools (free) and MyLanViewer Network/IP Scanner (paid) are two network sniffers that can help you analyze network traffic, but they are not as thorough as Capsa Network Analyzer and they don’t have as many features either (e.g. the matrix display). However they are more preferred by average users rather than professionals.

Conclusion

Capsa Network Analyzer is certainly the program that you have to try if you are an IT professional. It is packed with so many features and tools that you won’t find anywhere else, so if you can afford it then don’t miss this chance. Even if you are not satisfied with it (which is highly unlikely), there is a 30-day money back guarantee, no questions asked.