Packetyzer

Packetizer is a network tool that can capture packets exchanged across the network. The application is based on the Ethereal project and requires WinPcap to carry out its task.

This is is a utility for the experienced users that has knowledge about the network protocols involved in data transition and how the network captures can be interpreted to extract relevant information.

The interface is not impressive but features the main options and menus in plain view, allowing easy navigation between the sections.

Once started, the amount of captured data is shown in real-time and you can navigate through all the entries or apply filters so that only the relevant lines are displayed.

The main screen includes tabs for viewing specific elements of the traffic in a more clear manner, such as protocols or connections.

Captured packets are accompanied by various details that are helpful in deciding on their relevance. The information includes source and destination address, a brief summary as well as the timestamp.

A selected packet is automatically displayed in more detail in a second window, which comprises protocols and details associated with them. A closer look is available in the bytes pane, in hexdump style.

It is not easy to work with Packetizer, especially since proper documentation is not readily available. However, it does include options that can help wade through the pile of packets easier and applying filters is one way to do it.

Although it may serve its intended purpose right, it lacks plenty of the functions that would make working with it a lot easier.

Packetizer is a good product but it has fallen out of times and other products are much better suited for the job.