+1 coinfor reading to the end
+1
Home / Glossary / PCAP
Glossary · Networking

PCAP

Packet Capture

In plain language

A recording of the traffic on a network, saved so someone can study it later.

The metaphor

Like a flight recorder for a network: it keeps a record of what passed through.

Going deeper

How it works

  • A tool captures data as it goes by.
  • The file can be opened and filtered later.
  • It is used to find why something is slow or to investigate an incident.
  • It can hold sensitive information, so access must be limited.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

A clinic's phone calls kept cutting out. A short recording of the traffic showed the firewall dropping call packets, and the setting was corrected.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the managed firewall and switches that sit behind your provider's modem.

In practice
  • A technician records traffic to find a fault.
  • An investigator reviews a recording after an incident.
  • A provider asks for one to diagnose slow calls.

A question owners ask

Is it safe to share one?

Treat it like a confidential document, since it can contain passwords and messages. Only share it with your IT provider.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

Something here sounds like your problem?

Every WILDCARD card exists to solve one named problem. Find yours.

Pick your problem →