Recommended Tools: IPTraf IP LAN Monitoring Tool for Linux

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Affected Roles: Administrator, Owner

Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum® IPVMS

Last Edit: August 13, 2024

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IPTraf IP LAN Monitoring Tool

IPtraf is an ncurses-based IP LAN monitoring tool that can be used to monitor inbound and outbound network traffic for connections such as TCP, UDP, ICMP, non-IP counts, and Ethernet load information.

This article will outline how to install the IPTraf tool for an Ubuntu/Linux system.

**NOTE: This is an optional, supplemental tool that can be installed for Linux-based DW Spectrum® Servers. DW Blackjack® Servers shipping with Ubuntu 18.04 will come pre-loaded with this tool.

Supported/Affected Devices:

DW Blackjack® Tower Server Series (Linux)
DW Blackjack® Rack Server Series (Linux)
DW Blackjack® E-Rack Series (Linux)
DW Blackjack® P-Rack Series (Linux)
DW Blackjack® Cube Series (Linux)
DW Blackjack® Bolt Series
DW Blackjack® DX Series (Linux)
DW Blackjack® CX Series

Enabling Repository Access

By default, DW Blackjack® Servers have OS updates disabled to prevent unexpected operating issues that may occur from auto-updates.

As so, Servers using Ubuntu have repository access disabled by default as well.

To install the IPTraf tool, the repository will need to be made accessible to acquire the installation files. If IPTraf is already installed and you are just seeking operating instructions, you can skip to the Using IPTraf to Monitor LAN Activity section.

**DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that DW Blackjack® Servers have OS updates and repository access disabled by default. Altering a DW Blackjack® Server’s OS configuration from default settings are performed at the owner’s risk.

**NOTE: When using the Linux command line, be aware that commands are case-sensitive. Press the ENTER key after each command, unless otherwise instructed.

Add Repository Access

Open the Terminal program on the Linux computer. You can do this by using the Search function in the system Unity menu.

Alternatively, you can simultaneously press the Ctrl+Alt+T keys on the keyboard to launch the Terminal program.

The Terminal window will display.

To add the repository, use the command:

sudo add-apt-repository “deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ xenial universe multiverse”

You will be prompted to enter the superuser password. Use the root admin password (will not display):

Dw5pectrum

**NOTE: For older DW Blackjack units purchased prior to June 18, 2021, the previously utilized default Linux OS login was “admin/admin”.

Follow adding the repository by adding the main repository as well:

sudo add-apt-repository “deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ xenial main universe multiverse”

Next, to download updates, use the command:

sudo add-apt-repository “deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ xenial-updates universe multiverse”

Follow with command:

sudo apt-get update

Allow the system to finish fetching the data packages.

You may enter the command again to double-check that the available updated data packages have been obtained by the computer.

sudo apt-get update

Repairing Broken Repository Dependencies

If an error occurs while attempting to add the repository, there is a chance that the atp-get command may be encountering issues when retrieving third-party dependencies. For example, such an error may display as:

The following packages have unmet dependencies:

   E: Unable to correct problems, you have held broken packages.

If you encounter an issue with repository access or package corruption, refer to Repairing Broken Repository Dependencies for Ubuntu Servers for troubleshooting help.

Installing IPTraf with Linux

IPTraf is available for Linux distribution from the Ubuntu Software Center or general repository.

To install IPTraf:

Open the Terminal program on the Linux computer. You can do this by using the Search function in the system Unity menu.

Alternatively, you can simultaneously press the Ctrl+Alt+T keys on the keyboard to launch the Terminal program.

The Terminal window will display.

Log in as the root administrator of the with the command:

sudo su

You will be prompted to enter the root admin password (will not display). Use the default DW Blackjack® OS password:

Dw5pectrum

**NOTE: For older DW Blackjack units purchased prior to June 18, 2021, the previously utilized default Linux OS login was “admin/admin”.

Next, obtain the IPTraf installation files by using the command:

sudo apt-get install iptraf -y

Allow the utility to download and install the IPTraf monitoring tool.

Using IPTraf to Monitor LAN Activity

After installing the IPTraf IP LAN Monitoring Tool, you may launch the IPTraf menu interface (ascii-based) to view current IP traffic and local network interface statistics.

To launch IPTraf, use the command:

iptraf

The IPTraf main menu window will display.

Use the Up (▲) arrow key and Down (▼) arrow key on the keyboard to select options to navigate the menu.

To choose a selection, press the Enter key on the keyboard.

**NOTE: The navigation controls for each menu will be listed at the bottom of the window.

IPTraf Features and Commands

The following are included monitoring options of the IPTraf package.

IP Traffic Monitor

The IP Traffic Monitor feature will display real-time IP traffic information and the associated network interface(s) detected on the LAN (Local Area Network).

Select the “IP traffic monitor” option from the main menu window to view this feature.

To start the IP Traffic Monitor to monitor a specific network interface, use the command:

iptraf –i <network interface>

To start the IP Traffic Monitor to monitor all network interface traffic, use the command:

iptraf –i all

**NOTE: The example below is set to display information specifically for the “eth0” network interface, the primary interface card attached to the system.

To monitor TCP/UDP traffic on a specific interface, use the command:

iptraf –s <network interface>

To monitor TCP/UDP traffic for all network interfaces, use the command:

iptraf –s all

**NOTE: The example below is set to display information specifically for the “eth0” network interface, the primary interface card attached to the system.

General Interface Statistics

The General Interface Statistics feature will display general real-time network activity information.

Select the “General interface statistics” option from the main menu window to view this feature.

Detailed Interface Statistics

The Detailed Interface Statistics feature will display detailed, real-time network activity information such as the amount of data transported, average incoming and outgoing rates, etc.

Select the “Detailed interface statistics” option from the main menu window to view this feature.

Statistical Breakdowns

The Statistical Breakdowns feature can be used to display packet distribution count information by packet size (in bytes) or by TCP/UDP port.

Select the “Statistical breakdowns…” option from the main menu window to view this feature.

LAN Station Monitor

The LAN Station Monitor feature can be used to display the MAC Address or Hardware Address of nodes detected within the local network.

Select the “LAN Station Monitor” option from the main menu window to view this feature.

Configure

The Configure menu can be used to adjust the settings of the IPTraf IP LAN Monitoring Tool such as display preferences, specifying what information to track, and more.

Select the “Configure…” option from the main menu window to view this feature.

**NOTE: For more information on the options and commands of the IPTraf tool, use the command:

iptraf –help