Getting Started with Wireshark for Silicon Labs Hardware#

This guide explains how to install and configure Wireshark for use with Silicon Labs hardware using Simplicity Device Manager (SDM).

Prerequisites#

Before you begin, ensure you have the following components installed or available.

Component

Requirement

Hardware

Silicon Labs WSTKs (Series 1 and above)

Wireshark

Version 4.6.0 or later

SDM

Simplicity Device Manager 0.100.18 or later

Installation Guide#

Step 1: Install Wireshark 4.6.0 or later#

Important: Only Wireshark version 4.6.0 and later include the Silicon Labs dissector.

Download Wireshark 4.6.0 or later Go to https://www.wireshark.org/download.html and download the development release for your operating system.

Step 2: Install Simplicity Device Manager (SDM)#

Option A: Install Using the SLT Installer UI

  • Install SDM through the SLT Installer graphical interface.

Option B: Install Using the SLT-CLI

slt install sdm

Step 3: Configure SDM Extcap for Wireshark#

Once SDM is installed, you need to set up the external capture integration with Wireshark.

Method A: Setup Through SDM UI#

  1. Start the SDM Server Ensure the SDM server is running.

  2. Navigate to Capture View From the navigation bar on the left, go to "Capture" view.

  3. Configure Wireshark Integration Click Set up Wireshark at the top of the interface.

    Wireshark SetupWireshark Setup

  4. Launch Wireshark After setup successfully completes, the button label will change to "Run Wireshark". Click this button to launch Wireshark through the SDM UI.

Method B: Setup Through SDM CLI#

  1. Start the SDM server.

    sdm server start

  2. Register SDM extcap.

    sdm extcap setup

  3. Verify the configuration.

    sdm wireshark locate

  4. Launch Wireshark

    sdm wireshark start

Verification#

After completing the setup, verify that:

  • Wireshark launches successfully.

  • Silicon Labs adapters appear as available capture interfaces.

  • The Silicon Labs dissector is available for protocol analysis.

Next Steps#

After configuring Wireshark with SDM, you can:

  • Start Capturing - Learn how to capture traffic using UI or CLI methods

  • Check the FAQ - Find solutions to common issues and advanced configuration tips

Troubleshooting#

If you encounter issues during setup, see the FAQ section for troubleshooting guidance and subnet configuration instructions.