Colasoft Packet Player Pro is a packet re-player which allows users to open captured packet trace files and play them back in the network. This freeware supports many packet trace file formats created by packet sniffer software such as Colasoft Capsa, Wireshark, Network General Sniffer and WildPackets EtherPeek and WildPackets OmniPeek.
Replay a packet file is very simple. First, you need choose an active network adapter for sending packet, and then specify a packet file, you can also set following options:
- Burst Mode – If checked, Colasoft Packet Player Pro will send packets one after another without wait. If you want to send packets in its normal speed, leave this option unchecked.
- Loop Sending – Specify the loop times of sending packet file. Enter zero if you want to keep sending packets until you stop it manually.
- Delay Between Loops – Specify the interval between every loop.
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Reviews for Colasoft Packet Player Pro
I can’t find my previous review to remove it because I found the program requires “run as administrator.” I found this after reading Internet posts.
A couple of cosmetic improvements
– adapter error message, add needs to run as administrator (user shouldn’t to search the Internet or contact support for something this simple
– add user warning option (user can disable it) that playing packets can disrupt the network
The program options are:
– Select NIC
– Playback speeds 1/8x, 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x, 4x, and burst (wish it had a CIR with a cbs)
– File to playback
– Loop (infinite or x times)
– Delay between loop
My plan is to run this program in a lab/test environment to analyze the output with test equipment (actual speed, dropped packets and etc.). This will provide a clear understanding what output to expect from the program. IT managers and network administrators have zero tolerance of preventable network event that impact users. Type of network events I am referring to are: dropped packets because of network congestion (LAN or/and WAN), latency, momentary Denial of Service (DOS), and security networks.
Installed program several times because keep getting error message “No adapter found, please reinstall program.” This is Windows 10, 64 bit. It does not see any of my NICs. I tried different adapters and installed WIFI card. I have Wireshark and other sniffers which do work with any of my adapters.
Many network administrators need to verify the captured packet files by sending them over a network. To this they require a tool that can play back such type of files.
Colasoft Packet Player Pro is a tool to help users open captured packet trace files and send them back in their network.
Overview
The tool it self is lightweight, with only ~11MB download size and the installation process is pretty simple and straighforward. Replaying a packet with this tool is very easy, all you need to do is select the active network adapter and the packet file(s) or folder. It allows you to define custom sending options, such as delay or intervals and it even provided a dedicated “burst” mode, without delays. The application carries a clean layout with just the features that are required for sending packet files. The tool automatically detects all the network adapters installed on startup and they can be selected from the drop down menu in the tool. The packets files can be loaded individually or a folder can be selected so they are loaded automatically.
Pros
Clean and Simple UI
With a clean layout, the tool only offers features that are required for achieving it’s basic purpose of re-playing packet files.
Custom sending options
The application allows adjustments, so that users can define their own sending parameters. Users can define a custom play speed, select loop sending or add preferred delay timers. “Burst” option allows users to send files without delays in them. A slider helps with handling these operation.
Supports Many Packet Trace File Formats
This tool supports many packet trace file formats created by packet sniffer software such as Colasoft Capsa, Wireshark, Network General Sniffer and WildPackets EtherPeek and WildPackets OmniPeek.
Minimal resource usage
It does not use much CPU and RAM so does not affect the system performance at all. Moreover it has a negligible effect on the network as well, which is not obvious at all most users won’t even feel it.
Conclusion
Colasoft Packet Player Pro is a lightweight tool that can open packet trace files and play them back in the network with this application that also offers a special burst mode and sending delay options. It is easy to use and understand, and is suitable for those who are new to network administration field. It is definitely worth trying.
It is helpful for network administrators to have an overviews of what is taking place on their networks. In order to do so, the use of applications and software becomes necessary. I mean, it is not possible for the naked eye to magically pinpoint errors and monitor network details like bottlenecks, network strength, and data packets. When specifically interested in replaying captured data packets, Colasoft Packet Player Pro promises to do that right of the bat. I installed and used the software and here is my take.
At a Glance
Although Colasoft Packet Player Pro’s main feature is to replay captured packets, it offers more. It can also send packet file with the option to select or deselect burst mode. Setting the application to start capturing packets was easy. I just selected the Ethernet adapter on my PC and created a network profile.
Friendly User Interface
There was little that was complicated about using Colasoft Packet Player Pro. The software has clearly laid out network analysis options to choose from. For instance, choosing Burst Mode required me to slide the selector to the right. With the Burst Mode selected, I was able to send packets each after the other without any wait times.
Supports Many Packet Trace File Formats
I was really impressed by this application’s ability to support packet trace files created by other packet sniffers. In particular, I was able to open and replay packets captured by Wireshark, which I initially had installed. I also noticed that this new edition of Colasoft Packet Player Pro also supports the *.pcapng format packet files. The wide support meant that I was able to do all my analysis using this app without the need to switch between applications.
Minimal Network Interference
While sending packet files, I expected a performance drop on my internet speeds. However, that was not the case. Streaming high definition was still smooth regardless of whether the Burst Mode was on or not.
Customizable Network Monitoring
The additional and probably helpful feature that comes with Colasoft Packet Player Pro is the option to select what traffic you want to monitor. Monitoring all the network traffic was available as well as the option to pinpoint traffic from applications like e-mail, Yahoo Messenger, and MSN.
Superior Ping Tool
As compared to the native ping tool on my PC that I access via the CMD, Colasoft Packet Player Pro’s tool has additional features. It allowed me to ping multiple IP addresses. As such, comparing the results was easy with the use of a graphic chart.
Verdict
The simplicity in using Colasoft Packet Player Pro presents a smooth learning curve for using it. Its user friendly interface is also another plus especially if you are new to network monitoring and administration. As such, it is worth a try.
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