INLS 183
Distributed systems & analysis
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Introduction

For this installation, I chose to install and try out IPTraf, a handy little application that lets one see what kind of traffic is being generated and through which ports traffic is flowing. Pretty handy for finding out if something is going on on a port you know should be idle, or closed.
Narrative

After doing installation 9, with the NMap install, I became curious about being able to easily monitor my systems for illicit traffic. IPTraf seemed like a cool means to this end, so I went about getting and installing it.

This install started out like the others; I ftp'd the tarball to a folder on RED, and de tarred it. When I looked at the content, however, I noticed that there was no configure file in the directory. As usual, I read the Readme and install files, and the directions for this app. Unlike previous apps, the install directions told me to simply type './Setup' and everything would be installed.

So, I did, and I got a message about a successful install and that all I had to do was type 'iptraf' to launch the app. However, when I tried that, I got a distressing little message that iptraf could not be found. After I checked and made sure my path was correct, and I was still having no success, I decided to try a clean install.
I downloaded everything again, and tried a different set of commands to install IPTraf. They were, from the app directory:

cd src
make clean
make
make install

This was stated as being the old way of installing IPTraf, but should still work. Again, the install seemed to go smooth, but when the dust settled, IPTraf still could not be found. So, I decided to actually check in the directory the app was supposed to install in: /usr/local/bin/. Guess, what? No iptraf was there.

It didn't take long to realize that only root could place stuff in that directory, so I became root and installed the application a third time. Success! But now, I didn't have permission to run it as a normal user. I got this message stating that only administrators could run this app. I tried changing ownership and permissions to no avail. Finally, I tried 'sudo iptraf', and the app started right up.

Once i was in, the app was very straightforward and easy to use. You could look at general stats for a system, get a detailed view, or even focus on port activity. IPTraf even has the ability to filter ports and to configure the system.

Instructions for use

To use IPTraf, type 'sudo iptraf'. Enter you password and your in. From there, the app gives you a menu where you can choose what you want to do. Its all very easy and straightforward.

Functionality

Works great!

Files and Baubles screen shots, script files, extras

Script from installation
Script from installation and permissions
The main menu screenshot
General Stats screenshot
Detailed Stats screenshot
Stats by port screenshot
Filter status screenshot
Configuring possibilities screenshot

 




   


  If you have any questions or issues, you can contact me at MCarroll at email.unc.edu.