Wireshark-users: [Wireshark-users] Can Wireshark tell me the IP and mac of a device, before it's

From: "John Arwine" <JohnA@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:46:58 -0700

Occasionally I run into an industrial device that I need to integrate with.  My first step is getting it an IP address assigned by the Network control people.  They need this request early, usually before the device is properly set up / programmed.  I need to give them the devices MAC before they will give me an IP.

 

I am looking for a method to plug into the device and get it to tell me it’s MAC address, and hostname if it has one.

 

I know that many devices have MAC printed on the NIC, but not all manufacturers are that polite, that’s the reason for my request.

Yes, I know that if I can find the default IP, I use command prompt command “arp –a” after I ping the device and get the MAC.

My problem is that I can’t always find the Default IP. 

 

Is there some method by which I can use a laptop and Wireshark to somehow force the unit to respond, so that I can capture it’s IP?

 

Thank you!

John Arwine

ATS Automation

Group Operations Manager

425-251-9680 Front Desk

425-264-9339 Desk

206-276-0602 Cell