A Beginner’s Guide to Using MikroTik Torch for Network Traffic Analysis

MikroTik Torch is one of the most powerful and versatile tools included in MikroTik’s RouterOS for real-time traffic analysis. Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, monitoring bandwidth usage, or identifying unusual traffic, Torch can help you gain deep insights into your network’s behavior. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use MikroTik Torch effectively.

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What Is MikroTik Torch?

Torch is a packet sniffing and bandwidth monitoring tool that allows you to view traffic flows through your MikroTik router. It provides real-time data about the source and destination addresses, ports, protocols, and bandwidth usage. Torch is dynamic, unlike static tools like logs, and captures live data, making it ideal for on-the-spot analysis.

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Key Features of Torch

1. Protocol Identification: Identifies traffic protocols such as TCP, UDP, and ICMP.
2. Port Monitoring: Tracks source and destination ports to identify specific services or applications.
3. Bandwidth Analysis: Measures data transfer rates in real-time.
4. IP Tracking: Displays source and destination IP addresses.
5. Custom Filtering: Allows traffic filtered by specific criteria, like IP ranges or ports.

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Setting Up Torch

1. Log in to Your MikroTik Router
   • Use WinBox, WebFig, or SSH to access your MikroTik router.
2. Navigate to the Interface
   • Open WinBox and go to Tools > Torch.
3. Select an Interface
   • Choose the network interface you want to monitor, such as ether1 for WAN or bridge1 for LAN traffic.
4. Configure Filters (Optional)
   • You can narrow down your analysis by specifying filters:
     • Protocol: Limit to TCP, UDP, or ICMP.
     • Ports: Specify port numbers for services like HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), or DNS (53).
     • IP Address: Focus on traffic to or from a particular IP address.
5. Start Torch
   • Click the Start button to begin monitoring traffic in real-time.

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Understanding the Torch Interface

Torch displays real-time traffic data in a tabular format with the following key columns:

• Src. Address: The IP address of the traffic’s source.
• Dst. Address: The IP address of the traffic’s destination.
• Src. Port: Source port number.
• Dst. Port: Destination port number.
• TX Rate: Transmit rate of data from the source.
• RX Rate: Receive rate of data at the destination.
• Protocol: The protocol used for the traffic (e.g., TCP, UDP).

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Common Use Cases

1. Diagnosing Network Congestion
   • Monitor which devices or applications are consuming the most bandwidth.
   • Identify high-bandwidth consumers in the TX/RX Rate columns.
2. Identifying Malicious Traffic
   • Spot unknown IPs or unusual traffic patterns.
   • Filter for specific ports or protocols often associated with attacks (e.g., unusual spikes in traffic on port 22 for SSH).
3. Service Troubleshooting
   • Validate if specific services are accessible by monitoring traffic on their respective ports.
4. Analyzing Traffic Distribution
   • Examine how traffic is distributed among users or applications to optimize your Quality of Service (QoS) settings.

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Best Practices

• Use Filters Wisely: Apply filters to avoid overwhelming the interface with too much data.
• Export Data: Use Torch alongside logging tools to save captured data for later analysis.
• Combine with Firewall Rules: Identify traffic patterns and adjust firewall rules accordingly to enhance security.
• Monitor During Off-Peak Hours: For better insights, run Torch during low-usage times to identify anomalies.

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Limitations of Torch

While Torch is a robust tool, it has some limitations:

• Resource-Intensive: Running Torch on high-traffic interfaces may consume significant router CPU and memory resources.
• No Historical Data: Torch only displays live traffic, so it’s not suitable for analyzing past network activity.

For historical data, consider integrating MikroTik with external tools like Wireshark or The Dude.

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Conclusion

MikroTik Torch is an indispensable tool for network administrators who need real-time insights into traffic flows. Its combination of simplicity and power makes it ideal for tasks ranging from basic bandwidth monitoring to advanced troubleshooting. By following the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can unlock the full potential of MikroTik Torch and maintain a healthy, well-functioning network.

Have you used MikroTik Torch before? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

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