How to use the command 'sc_ttlexp' (with examples)

The sc_ttlexp command is a tool from the CAIDA Catalog used to extract and display source addresses from ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) TTL (Time to Live) expired messages found in warts files. These files are typically used in networking research and contain various types of network measurements. By utilizing the sc_ttlexp command, network administrators and researchers can gain insights into network paths, helping them in performance analysis and troubleshooting network issues.

Use case 1: Output the source address of ICMP TTL expired messages in warts files one after the other

Code:

sc_ttlexp path/to/file1.warts path/to/file2.warts ...

Motivation:

When handling large sets of network measurement data stored in warts files, network researchers and administrators face the challenge of analyzing and visualizing the paths traversed by packets. Using the sc_ttlexp command simplifies the process by extracting source addresses from ICMP TTL expired messages, which serve as indicators of the routes packets take before being terminated due to expired TTL values. This process can help in understanding network topology, diagnosing routing problems, and optimizing routing paths for efficiency.

Explanation:

• sc_ttlexp: This is the command being used to perform the extraction of source addresses from ICMP TTL expired messages. It is specifically designed to handle warts files, which are essential for networking studies and analysis.
• path/to/file1.warts path/to/file2.warts ...: These are the arguments representing the paths to one or multiple warts files from which you want to extract data. Each file contains recorded ICMP TTL expired messages, and the paths should be replaced with the actual locations of your specific warts files on the system.

Example Output:

192.168.1.1
10.0.0.2
172.16.0.1
192.168.100.4
...

In this example output, a series of IP addresses are shown, each representing a source address from the ICMP TTL expired messages found within the specified warts files. This list provides an immediate glance at the network devices involved in message routing before the TTL expiration occurs, thus aiding in understanding the network’s routing behavior.

Conclusion:

The sc_ttlexp command is a highly useful tool for those involved in network analysis and research, providing an efficient way to extract meaningful data from warts files. By leveraging this command, users can gain a deeper understanding of network paths and routing decisions, equipping them with the knowledge needed to address and resolve potential networking issues effectively.