How to Use the Command 'sc_warts2csv' (with Examples)

The sc_warts2csv command is a tool designed to convert traceroute data collected by Scamper, a utility used for internet measurement studies, into CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format. This conversion facilitates easier manipulation and analysis of data, making it a valuable tool for network researchers and engineers who deal with large sets of traceroute data. Unlike raw data formats, CSV files allow for more seamless integration into database systems and data analysis tools, such as spreadsheets or data analysis software.

Use Case: Convert Traceroute Data in warts Files to CSV

Code:

sc_warts2csv path/to/file1.warts path/to/file2.warts ...

Motivation:

In the realm of network analysis, efficient data management is crucial. Traceroute data, typically stored in warts format by Scamper, needs to be manually parsed unless converted into a more universal format, such as CSV. The ability to easily convert these files allows network analysts to pivot quickly from data collection to data analysis, leveraging tools that require standard input formats like CSV. This ease of conversion enables researchers to store and query data efficiently, integrating it with SQL-based databases or using it with simple text processing tools for streamlined data analysis.

Explanation:

• sc_warts2csv: This is the command used to initiate the conversion of data from warts format to CSV. It acts as the bridge between the raw traceroute data collected by Scamper and its subsequent analysis.

• path/to/file1.warts path/to/file2.warts ...: These are the paths to the warts files that contain the raw traceroute data. Each file listed here is individually processed and converted. This flexibility accommodates scenarios where the user might have multiple files from several days of network testing, needing them all in a consistent format for comparison or aggregate analysis. By specifying multiple paths separated by spaces, the command knows to treat each file independently while outputting the results to the corresponding CSV format.

Example Output:

"src","dst","start","end","probe_size","probes_sent","probes_successful"
"192.0.2.1","198.51.100.1","1633065600","1633065610","52","1","1"
"192.0.2.1","203.0.113.1","1633065620","1633065630","52","1","1"

In this output, CSV format enables data to be structured in columns, each representing a particular aspect of the traceroute process, such as the source (src) and destination (dst) IP addresses, the start and end times of the traceroute (start and end), and performance metrics like the packet size (probe_size) and success rates of probes (probes_sent, probes_successful). Such a format is ready for immediate integration into data analysis pipelines.

Conclusion:

The sc_warts2csv command streamlines the workflow for network engineers and researchers by enabling the quick conversion of warts files, which are not easily readable or manipulable, into the more user-friendly CSV format. This capability simplifies the data handling process, reduces preprocessing time, and facilitates the use of widely available data analysis tools, thus enhancing productivity and enabling more in-depth network analysis. Whether handling a single file or multiple datasets, sc_warts2csv offers a practical solution for data conversion needs in proactive and substantial network research projects.