Top Network Packet Capture Tools for Performance, Security & Visibility

What are network packet capture tools? Do you envision them hanging off the belt of an IT manager or engineer? Well, not quite.

These tools actually connect to network links. Also described as network appliances, network capture tools play a critical role in network management. Just as headlights allow visibility to the road ahead when driving at night, network packet capture tools provide the light to see and analyze packets traversing a network. Without this visibility, network managers are left wandering around in the dark.

What is Network Packet Visibility?

Network packet visibility refers to the practice of capturing packets on network links and storing them in a file for analysis. There are many reasons to capture and analyze packets. A few benefits of packet capture and analysis include:

Network Reliability – Packets aren't always perfect. Packets can be corrupted by software problems at the source, power issues, physical connectivity problems, and other glitches. Network managers need to have confidence that the information entered at the source is the same information that ends up at the destination.
Security – There are many opportunities for cyber criminals to hack into networks and install malicious code. This code can hijack confidential information, corrupt infrastructure, lock access, and otherwise cause significant damage to systems.
Future Planning – Networks grow and change. Understanding traffic flow, busy hours, traffic pattern changes, and growth requirements is key to maintaining a reliable and fully available network.
Performance – Specialized tools can analyze bandwidth usage, latency, and overall network performance to keep networks running at peak performance.

Learn the basics of network packet capture and why it's important for monitoring and security.

Top Network Packet Capture Tools for Monitoring and Analysis

Selecting the right network packet capture tool is essential for maintaining visibility, performance, and security across complex digital infrastructures. The best solution for your environment will depend on factors like network size, traffic volume, threat exposure, growth plans, and budget. While no single tool fits every scenario, the following platforms are recognized for their excellence in network packet capture and analysis:

Darktrace

Darktrace stands out for its use of AI-driven, self-learning technology to proactively detect and respond to cyber threats. Rather than relying on static rules or manual oversight, Darktrace continuously monitors your network environment to identify unusual behavior and autonomously take action.

Its real-time threat detection capabilities eliminate the delay typically associated with human response. According to Mandiant’s M-Trends report, the average dwell time (the time from infection to detection) ranges from 10 to 100 days. Darktrace can drastically reduce or eliminate this window, minimizing damage and disruption.

Wireshark

Wireshark is the gold standard in open-source network protocol analyzers. Known for its depth and flexibility, Wireshark enables users to capture, inspect, and analyze live traffic across hundreds of protocols.

This tool is ideal for diagnosing bottlenecks, troubleshooting application issues, and understanding traffic behavior. Its powerful filtering and inspection capabilities make it a go-to resource for IT professionals looking to dig deep into packet-level network activity.

Riverbed

Riverbed offers a comprehensive platform designed to deliver unified observability and performance optimization. Powered by AIOps, Riverbed helps organizations gain full visibility across hybrid and distributed networks – whether users are in the office, working remotely, or on the move.

The platform accelerates digital transformation by reducing latency, mitigating network congestion, and improving application performance – in some cases by up to 33x. It also supports security and compliance efforts by eliminating blind spots and enabling smarter, data-driven decisions.

Other network tool companies worth investigating include:

Palo Alto Networks
Endace
Cisco
Fortinet
Imperva
IBM
RSA
McAfee
RSA

These companies are Network Critical Technology Partners. This means that network managers can rest assured that mutual compatibility and interoperability testing have been completed.

How to Connect Network Packet Capture Tools

To function properly, all packet capture tools must be connected directly to live network links. The two primary access methods are switched port analyzer (SPAN) and test access ports (TAP).

SPAN ports: These mirror selected traffic from a network switch but may introduce limitations such as packet loss and increased internal switch load.
TAPs: Independent hardware units that offer scalable, lossless access to all traffic on a link. TAPs provide 100% traffic visibility and maintain network integrity even during power outages.

Intelligent TAPs go beyond basic access by adding features like traffic filtering, aggregation, and load balancing. For example, packet filtering plays a crucial role in helping these appliances target specific types of traffic, which enhances tool efficiency and reduces overhead.

Another benefit of TAP-based setups is fail-safe operation. If a TAP loses power, traffic still passes through the network uninterrupted.

Network Critical provides a range of TAPs that offer reliable access to live network traffic. Our hardware supports both copper and fiber links at various speeds, ensuring consistent packet visibility without introducing latency or packet loss. With features such as fail-safe operation, traffic filtering, and aggregation, Network Critical TAPs enable efficient connection of monitoring tools while maintaining network integrity.

Scalable Management with Packet Brokers

For large or distributed networks that use multiple tools across many links, centralized management is critical. Packet brokers help manage and optimize tool connectivity.

The SmartNA-PortPlus HyperCore™, for instance, supports up to 256 ports and offers advanced features such as graphical port mapping, high-speed traffic filtering, and aggregation. With a non-blocking line rate throughput of 25.6 Tbps, it’s ideal for enterprises requiring high-density, high-performance network visibility.

For mid-sized or budget-conscious environments, hybrid TAP/Packet broker solutions in a compact 1RU chassis offer a powerful blend of efficiency and scalability.

Strengthening Network Visibility with the Right Tools

Operating without full network visibility is simply not an option today. Advancements in packet capture and analysis technology, along with AI integration, have greatly increased visibility and response time to correction when necessary. These new tools, coupled with advanced TAP and packet broker technology, help automate and simplify network management.

FAQs

What is a network packet capture tool?

A network packet capture tool collects and analyzes data packets moving through a network to help identify issues, monitor performance, and detect security threats.

How do packet capture tools improve security?

They enable deep visibility into network activity, helping detect unauthorized access, malware, and other anomalies in real time.

What’s the difference between TAP and SPAN?

TAPs offer complete, lossless packet capture with fail-safe reliability. SPAN ports may drop packets and impact switch performance under high traffic loads.

Are open-source packet capture tools effective?

Yes. Tools like Wireshark are widely used for troubleshooting and protocol analysis, although enterprise solutions offer additional automation and scalability.