Can anyone help me to figure out how to use Wireshark to monitor all Internet traffic on my home wireless network? We use a Verizon MI424-WR FiOS Router to serve several laptops via Wifi. My son is on one of the machines, and we need to monitor his online gaming and make sure he is honoring our agreements. It has already resulted in him failing out of college and we are getting desperate. I have used Wireshark to monitor my OWN activity, but cannot figure out how to capture other IPs on the network. A coaxial cable connects to the router and we just use the wifi to get online. I am a networking newbie, but understand the basics. Can you please help? I am running Lion on a MacBook Pro; the kid uses a Windows machine. Keylogging software is not an option; he's too crafty for that.
Tips for how to use Wireshark to monitor my home network?
- Thread starter medmandan
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Hi!
Wireshark won't really give you want you need. If your son just leaves his computer on without activity you will see traffic from it. Also unless you are into tracking ip addresses it will be difficult to tell what website the computer is accessing. Computers are always "talking" to each other so a lot of traffic is generated. Plus not knowing how your network is set up I can't even say if wireshark would see all your traffic.
I would suggest K9 web protection. It will have to be installed on his computer. It is free and it will email you of violations. It can be set to limit times online, sites that can be accessed and more.
I know this is a harsher option but if you have doubts this is a good way to monitor. I understand the position you are in. I have raised 2 boys and 2 girls all grown and out on their own now. When my kids were living at home I made it clear what the rules were and I held them to them. I am an IT so I admit to not being the "normal" parent who is clueless to what their child is doing on a computer. I had one who would have gamed all night if I let him. I have recommended and set up K9 web protection for several friends. I have found it easy to do and it works well. It is also requires a password to uninstall.
Hope this helps.
Lisa
Wireshark won't really give you want you need. If your son just leaves his computer on without activity you will see traffic from it. Also unless you are into tracking ip addresses it will be difficult to tell what website the computer is accessing. Computers are always "talking" to each other so a lot of traffic is generated. Plus not knowing how your network is set up I can't even say if wireshark would see all your traffic.
I would suggest K9 web protection. It will have to be installed on his computer. It is free and it will email you of violations. It can be set to limit times online, sites that can be accessed and more.
I know this is a harsher option but if you have doubts this is a good way to monitor. I understand the position you are in. I have raised 2 boys and 2 girls all grown and out on their own now. When my kids were living at home I made it clear what the rules were and I held them to them. I am an IT so I admit to not being the "normal" parent who is clueless to what their child is doing on a computer. I had one who would have gamed all night if I let him. I have recommended and set up K9 web protection for several friends. I have found it easy to do and it works well. It is also requires a password to uninstall.
Hope this helps.
Lisa
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