A portable network traffic analyzer

Abstract

Embedded system is known for its limitation in terms of processing power, memory, and power consumption. Incorporating solution into an embedded system, which requires optimum usage of these limitation, is thus a challenge. The aim of this study is to see how Embedded Linux could cope with those limitations in producing reliable embedded web-based traffic monitoring system. The approach to the study is to adopt a low-end embedded Linux platform and develop a network traffic monitoring system which runs on the platform. Among the functionalities incorporated include capturing and storing network packet information into files, analyzing data statistically and displaying minimal statistical data as well as sending data files through TCP/IP connection to the web based monitoring system. This paper will describe the architectural design and implementation of the network monitoring system. Interesting enough the system proved to be competent, where it manages to provide useful reliable information within its limitation.