Overview › Packet Capture File Requirements

Packet Capture File Requirements

To configure data collection on a Cisco NAM or NI GigaStor, the Configuration Utility requires that you load network, server, and application data from a packet capture file taken on the monitoring device. When working with packet capture files:

• The Configuration Utility requires the packet capture file to be in the NA (DOS) format. The BNF format is not supported. Using any utility that converts capture file formats, save the file with the NA Sniffer (DOS) format.
• To prevent conflicts with the CA ADA packet driver, do not install packet capture utilities, such as WireShark, on the CA ADA management console or standard monitor.

To prepare a packet capture file Follow these steps::

1. On the Cisco NAM or NI GigaStor, take a packet capture, save the results to a file, and download the file to your local computer.

   If you are taking a packet capture on a NI GigaStor, you can create a filter rule for SYN and SYN-ACK packets to capture server based communication only by using NI Observer Expert. For more information about using NI Observer Expert, see the NI Observer Expert help.

2. Using any utility that converts capture file formats, open the packet capture file and then save the file with the NA Sniffer (DOS) format.
3. To verify that the capture file is in NA Sniffer (DOS) format, check that the first line of the file begins with TRSNIFF data. From a command prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

   type [set the File Name variable].cap | more 
   

4. Copy the packet capture file, in NA Sniffer (DOS) format, to the computer where you plan to run the Configuration Utility.