network logging

Fartwiz · 06-03-2004, 02:49 PM

hi,
i am trying to figure out if there is a log file that records network activity. i basically want to monitor internet, e-mail and lan connections via a log file.
if indeed there is no such file, does anyone have any ideas on how to create one?

cheers

david_ross · 06-03-2004, 03:06 PM

If you want to monitor all traffic then you can use ethereal. If you just want to monitor connections going through your system then you can add a logging rule to iptables.

kbcnetau · 06-03-2004, 10:46 PM

An alternative to ethereal is iptraf: <http://cebu.mozcom.com/riker/iptraf/>

Please note - logging your network can create H-U-G-E files. I've left network logging running before and nearly swamped a hard disc...

ppuru · 06-03-2004, 11:34 PM

you can use iptables to log every single transaction... if that is what you want.... beware your diskspace may shrink rapidly.

Fartwiz · 06-04-2004, 06:36 AM

didn't think of the disk space issue ....
thanx for all your suggestions, i got ethereal working now tho and it does everything i need.
cheers