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Wireshark on USB port and Wireless Broadband Modem

Two issues:

Wireshark doesn't seem to recognize a wireless broadband modem (WBM) connected via the USB port.
Using netstat, this particular WBM -- apparetly was being routed through a DOD network, out of Maryland as I recall. Isn't that interesting.. So, thinking it was a one-time/temporary thing, I acquired another separate unit (though similar/identical manufacturer and model) and -- same thing. Routing through a DOD network. I'm on now yet another separate unit, and the last time I checked it was not routing through this DOD network.

Assistance with both of these issues would be greatly appreciated. I wonder how many customers realize this was even happening (or still is).

The following information is from the Virgin Mobile online account (www..virginmobileusa.com):

//partial information

What is Broadband2Go?

Broadband2Go is Virgin Mobile's 3G nationwide wireless internet service. With Broadband2Go, you can connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the US - without having to search for WiFi or hotspots. Just buy a USB device, plug it into your laptop, choose a plan, and you're good to go. Pay with cash (Top-Up), credit, or debit. There are no long-term contracts or activation fees and you can change plans as your needs change. Use your Broadband2Go service to work, shop, chat, and more - all at lightning-fast speed.

virginmobileusa.com

Which network does Broadband2Go use?

Your Broadband2Go device connects to Sprint's EVDO Rev A data network. Under Virgin Mobile USA's arrangement with Sprint, Virgin Mobile USA customers have access to broadband service with average downlink data speeds between 600 and 1.4 Mbps and average uplink speeds between 350 and 500 Kbps.

Where can I buy?

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/

//Hi Laura :)

wireless broadband modem usb network

asked 20 May '12, 10:13

riderr
1●1●1●1
accept rate: 0%

By the way, I do still have the IP address(es) resolving to this DOD network, along with the screen caps.

(20 May '12, 10:15) riderr

One Answer:

Try running dumpcap -D to see if the USB device is listed. If not, Wireshark will not be able to work with it.
It shouldn't matter with what modem you connect - as long as it is the same provider on the other end the routing will be pretty much the same in most cases. And coming across a network that looks like its DoD doesn't necessarily mean it is - and even if it is, it could just be a public transport network run by them. As long as you don't have direct access to IP addresses that should not be accessable I don't see why anyone should bother.

answered 20 May '12, 11:29

Jasper ♦♦
23.8k●5●51●284
accept rate: 18%

I'm probably reading/interpreting netstat incorrectly. It's the local address (which appears to be different than the 'what's my ip" address resolving to Sprint PCS out of Wichita Kansas) that resolved to a DoD network (in Ohio) not the foreign address. Probably my mistake.

(24 May '12, 11:04) riderr