Wireshark: what is this network traffic analyzer and how to use it to detect Internet problems or security flaws

Wireshark emerges as a powerful, open-source tool designed to analyze network traffic, offering insights into data packets flowing through wired and wireless connections. This free application, available for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu, empowers users to examine the intricacies of their network activity. By capturing and dissecting individual data packets, Wireshark provides a granular view of communication, aiding in the diagnosis of connectivity issues and potential security vulnerabilities. The software's core functionality lies in its ability to display critical details such as IP and MAC addresses, transmission protocols, and even unencrypted content. Furthermore, Wireshark visually represents network health, highlighting delays and errors through a sophisticated color-coding system. This visual cueing helps users quickly identify problematic traffic, with red and black lines typically indicating connection errors or issues. While Wireshark is primarily geared towards system administrators and cybersecurity professionals for threat detection and performance bottleneck analysis, its capabilities extend to advanced home users. By understanding basic network principles and utilizing filtering commands, even a non-expert can leverage Wireshark to monitor specific devices or pinpoint the root cause of internet problems, fostering greater digital control and awareness.