Following an HTTP stream

To get a solid understanding of what happens when requesting and receiving a web page, we'll step through the process by following an HTTP stream. We'll then further break down each of the elements when examining an HTTP transaction.

Note

Keep in mind that each HTTP session is different. This example will provide a sampling of what you can expect when viewing an HTTP conversation. In a true analysis exercise, you will most likely have to research the meaning of some of the various field values.

For this example, we'll use HTTP.pcap, as it is a complete conversation. To obtain a copy, go to https://www.cloudshark.org/captures/0012f52602a3, then download the file and open it in Wireshark. Once open, expand Frame 1 under the TCP header, where you will see the following:

[Conversation completeness: Complete, WITH_DATA (31)]

This is a small capture with only 40 packets, so it isn't difficult to see all elements of the complete...