How to Intercept HTTP Traffic

Capture HTTP traffic for analysis of issues regarding accessing websites.

Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, also referred to as HTTP, is a data transfer protocol used for intranet and Internet websites. Many HTTP packets are transmitted between the browser and web server to complete a single web page. Capturing the HTTP traffic on your computer is useful for troubleshooting. Analysis of HTTP packets helps identify issues with the rendering of a website in a browser. Packet capture can also identify applications that are covertly communicating with a web site.

Things You'll Need

• Wireshark
• Windows XP or later

Instructions

1. Download the Windows installation package of Wireshark. Execute the installation package, accepting the default for each option. Restart your computer after completion of the Wireshark installation.

2. Click the Windows "Start" icon located on the menu bar, then select "Programs" and "Wireshark."

3. Select the network interface for your computer from the list displayed below the text "Start capture on interface:"

4. Type the command "http.content_type" in the filter text box and click on the "Apply" button. This command is case sensitive.

5. Open a web browser and navigate to a webpage. HTTP packets for your webpage request will be displayed in the Wireshark application window.

References

• Wireshark: Wireshark User's Guide
• Wireshark: Wireshark Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Wireshark: Wireshark Download