Filtering HTTP Traffic to and from Specific IP Address in Wireshark

Wireshark, a powerful network protocol analyzer, allows users to capture and analyze various types of network traffic, including HTTP. Filtering HTTP traffic in Wireshark is a crucial step in understanding how the internet works and troubleshooting issues related to web browsing. In this article, we will explore how to filter HTTP traffic in Wireshark to and from specific IP addresses.

To start capturing HTTP traffic, you need to set up your Wireshark capture and browse some HTTP sites. Make sure you are not accessing HTTPS websites, as they use a different protocol and port. Once you have started the capture, you can use the protocol and port display filter to view all the HTTP traffic. The filter `tcp.dstport = 80` will show you all the packets related to your browsing of any HTTP sites.

However, this filter is not enough to provide the complete picture of HTTP traffic. You are missing the setup handshakes and termination TCP packets. To fix this issue, you need to use a more comprehensive filter that includes the handshake and termination packets.

One effective way to display all the HTTP traffic in Wireshark is by using the `http` filter in the Display Filter Toolbar. This filter will show you all the packets that use the HTTP protocol, including the setup handshakes and termination TCP packets.

For example, if you want to capture HTTP traffic related to a specific IP address, you can use the following filter: `http && ip.src == 'specific_ip_address'`. Replace `'specific_ip_address'` with the actual IP address of the website or server you are interested in.

In conclusion, filtering HTTP traffic in Wireshark is a relatively simple task that requires the use of a few different filters to get the whole picture. By following the steps outlined above, you can capture and analyze HTTP traffic to and from specific IP addresses, helping you better understand how the internet works and troubleshoot issues related to web browsing.

Wireshark https url