tcpdump

Capture, filter, and inspect network traffic in real-time or save to pcap files.

6|1|Updated Feb 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/L3DigitalNet/Claude-Code-Plugins --skill tcpdump
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: tcpdump
Source: https://github.com/L3DigitalNet/Claude-Code-Plugins/tree/main/plugins/linux-sysadmin/skills/tcpdump
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/L3DigitalNet/Claude-Code-Plugins --skill tcpdump

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a powerful command-line utility for capturing, filtering, and inspecting network traffic in real-time or saving it to files for later analysis, helping diagnose network issues and understand data flow.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Real-time Packet Capture: Monitor network activity on specific interfaces.
  • Traffic Filtering: Isolate relevant packets based on hosts, ports, or protocols.
  • Pcap File Generation: Save captured traffic for in-depth analysis with tools like Wireshark.
  • Use Case: Troubleshoot a slow web server by capturing traffic to and from it, filtering for HTTP requests, and analyzing response times.

Quick Start

Use the tcpdump skill to capture network traffic on the eth0 interface and save it to a file named capture.pcap.

Frequently Asked Questions about tcpdump

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I capture network traffic on a specific interface and save it to a pcap file?

To capture network traffic, specify the target interface like eth0 and direct the output to a .pcap file. This allows you to save the captured packets for later analysis or offline inspection.

Can I filter packet capture by host, port, or protocol in real-time?

Yes, you can filter packet capture in real-time by applying specific filters for host addresses, ports, and protocols. This isolates relevant traffic, making it easier to monitor specific network activity.

What is the best way to troubleshoot a slow web server using network traffic analysis?

Network traffic analysis helps troubleshoot a slow web server by capturing traffic to and from the server, filtering for HTTP requests, and inspecting response times to identify data flow bottlenecks and latency issues.

Does tcpdump work with pcap files generated for other packet analysis tools?

Yes, tcpdump generates standard pcap files that are fully compatible with other packet analysis tools. You can save captured traffic to these files and import them into graphical analysis software for in-depth inspection.

How do I limit packet counts or rotate capture files during network traffic capture?

You can limit packet counts or rotate capture files by setting specific command-line options during network traffic capture. This controls the volume of data captured and prevents files from consuming excessive disk space.

When do I need to capture network traffic for security analysis?

You need to capture network traffic for security analysis when investigating suspicious data flow or potential intrusions. Inspecting packets in real-time helps identify unauthorized connections and diagnose network vulnerabilities.