Capturing Traffic Using SDM CLI#

This guide explains how to capture network traffic using the Simplicity Device Manager (SDM) command-line interface (CLI) with Wireshark.

Prerequisites#

Before you begin, make sure that:

  • SDM is installed and configured.

  • Wireshark is properly set up to work with SDM. For more information, see the Getting Started guide.

Capturing from a Single Adapter#

Step 1. Start the SDM Server#

sdm server start

Step 2. List Available Adapters#

sdm adapter list

Note: If you don't see the expected adapters, see the FAQ section for subnet configuration instructions.

Step 3. Launch Wireshark#

sdm wireshark start

The adapters listed in step 2 should appear as capture interfaces in Wireshark.

Step 4. Start Capturing#

  1. In Wireshark, click on an adapter to begin capturing.

  2. Select any packet to view detailed protocol dissection.

Adapter ListAdapter List

Step 5. Complete the Capture#

When you finish analyzing traffic:

  1. Stop the capture.

  2. Save the capture file for future analysis.

Live CaptureLive Capture

Capturing from Multiple Adapters (Capture Interface)#

Step 1. Start the SDM Server#

sdm server start

Step 2. Create a Capture Interface#

sdm ci create --name <my_interface>

Replace <my_interface> with a descriptive name for your capture interface.

Step 3. Add Adapters to the Capture Interface#

sdm ci add -c <my_interface> -a <adapter_1_id>
sdm ci add -c <my_interface> -a <adapter_2_id>
# Repeat for additional adapters as needed

Replace the placeholders with the following:

  • <my_interface>: The name you created in step 2.

  • <adapter_X_id>: The ID of each adapter (from sdm adapter list).

Step 4. Start Multi-Adapter Capture#

  1. Open Wireshark (if it's not already open).

  2. The capture interface you created should be listed as an available interface.

  3. Select it and start capturing.

CI ListCI List

Step 5. Monitor and Complete#

  1. Observe traffic captured from multiple adapters simultaneously.

  2. When you are finished, stop and save the capture.

Next Steps#