This is a static archive of our old Q&A Site. Please post any new questions and answers at ask.wireshark.org.

Interface names

0

I am using Wireshark on both Windows XP Pro and Windows 7 Pro. In both cases I have multiple interfaces so I've given them friendly names like: - Internet Switch Mirror - LAN Switch Mirror - LAN

In the XP system, these assigned names show up in Wireshark. In the Win 7 system, the manufacturer and model of the NIC shows up.

How can I fix the Windows 7 system NIC names in Wireshark?

asked 26 Aug '12, 22:07

fred3's gravatar image

fred3
6112
accept rate: 0%


One Answer:

0

By either:

  1. contributing code to WinPcap to modify it to use the "friendly name" in Windows (that's Microsoft's term for it) as the interface description, and get it accepted by the WinPcap people (or use it in your private version of WinPcap);
  2. contributing code to Wireshark to fetch the "friendly name" and use it on Windows;
  3. going to Edit -> Preferences, selecting "Capture" in the dialog, clicking the "Edit" button next to "Interfaces:", and, for each interface whose name you want to change, clicking on it, editing the "Comment:" box, and, when you're done, click "OK".

1) is probably technically the "best" choice, except that Pcap should arguably supply both* names, if available (as they are on at least some versions of Windows), but that would require a new API. It's also the choice that would take the most work and time to develop and get accepted.

2) is probably the best shorter-term workaround - if and when the new *Pcap APIs show up, Wireshark should use them if available and otherwise use the workaround.

3) is the "easiest" solution for a user - no code to write, and it works with standard Wireshark.

answered 26 Aug '12, 23:09

Guy%20Harris's gravatar image

Guy Harris ♦♦
17.4k335196
accept rate: 19%

3 does it. Thank you!

(27 Aug '12, 08:25) fred3