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Affected Roles: Administrator, Owner
Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum® IPVMS
Last Edit: January 21, 2022
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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.
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.
Alternatively, you can simultaneously press the Ctrl+Alt+T keys on the keyboard to launch the Terminal program.
To add the repository, use the command:
sudo add-apt-repository “deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ xenial universe multiverse”
Dw5pectrum
**NOTE: For older DW Blackjack units purchased prior to June 18, 2021, the previously utilized default Linux OS login was “admin/admin”.
sudo add-apt-repository “deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ xenial main universe multiverse”
sudo add-apt-repository “deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ xenial-updates universe multiverse”
Follow with command:
sudo apt-get update
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
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.
IPTraf is available for Linux distribution from the Ubuntu Software Center or general repository.
To install IPTraf:
Alternatively, you can simultaneously press the Ctrl+Alt+T keys on the keyboard to launch the Terminal program.
Log in as the root administrator of the with the command:
sudo su
Dw5pectrum
**NOTE: For older DW Blackjack units purchased prior to June 18, 2021, the previously utilized default Linux OS login was “admin/admin”.
sudo apt-get install iptraf -y
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.
iptraf
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.
The following are included monitoring options of the IPTraf package.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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