Before you say anything, yes, I know Wireshark is available for Linux. This time, however, Windows and OS X users get to play too. Wireshark is an open-source network analyzation tool that is really an amazing tool for troubleshooting a network.

Running Wireshark on OS X does require an X11 server (see my Non-Linux FOSS article in the December 2012 issue of LJ on XQuartz.) It also looks a bit dated once it's up and running, but rest assured, the latest version is functioning behind the scenes. If you're thinking this program looks a lot like Ethereal, you're absolutely correct. It's the same program, but six or so years ago the name changed.

Wireshark is strictly a wired-ethernet inspection tool, but if you're trying to solve a network issue, it's the de facto standard tool. It's not a new tool by any means, but if you're on a foreign operating system (that is, not Linux), it's nice to know some old standbys are available. Check it out today at http://www.wireshark.org.

UPDATE: Shawn comments HERE regarding reader frustration/feedback.