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Mac OS X  |  IT & Network Administration  |  Utility  |  Layer Four Traceroute

Layer Four Traceroute

Layer Four Traceroute - 2.3.1

Traceroute tool for network engineers

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(File Size: 167k)

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All Time: (4.0)
Version 2.3.1: Not rated (0.0)
Selected Version: 2.3.1
Release Date: 2005-06-28
License: Freeware
Downloads (version 2.3.1): 1,074
Downloads (all versions): 14,427

Information Related to Version:

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Product Description:

LFT, short for Layer Four Traceroute, is a sort of 'traceroute' that often works much faster (than the commonly-used Van Jacobson method) and goes through many configurations of packet-filter based firewalls. More importantly, LFT implements numerous other features including AS number lookups, loose source routing, netblock name lookups, et al.

What makes LFT unique? Rather than launching UDP probes in an attempt to elicit ICMP TIME_EXCEEDEDs from hosts in the path, LFT accomplishes substantively the same effect using TCP SYN or FIN probes. Then, LFT listens for TIME_EXCEEDED messages, TCP RESET, and various other interesting heuristics from firewalls or other gateways in the path. LFT also distinguishes between TCP-based protocols (source and destination), which make its statistics slightly more realistic, and gives a savvy user the ability to trace protocol routes, not just layer-3 (IP) hops.

What's new in this version:

  • LFT indicates it has reached the target by printing a 'T' character in the status display (if status is enabled)
  • More verbose output cleanups
  • Improved whois framework to support Cymru and Prefix WhoIs sources
  • Added -C and -R and -r options to force alternate ASN sources: - (r)IPE RIS - (C)ymru - (R)ADB
  • LFT now queries for ASNs in bulk format after completing a trace if pwhois (default), RIPE NCC RIS, or Cymru are selected
  • Added dst/src port autoselection based on user-supplied hostname
  • Vastly improved STANDALONE whois client "whob" see whob.8 (whob manpage)
  • Now includes/installs 'whob' no-frills NetEng whois client (try ./whob)
  • Modified the autoconf configuration and source to allow for DARWIN definition that disables some BSD features to make it compatible with MacOS X and Darwin.
  • "Smart" mode is now referred to as "Adaptive" mode

Operating System Requirements:

This product is designed to run on the following operating systems:

  • Mac OS X 10.4 PPC
  • Mac OS X 10.3.9
  • Mac OS X 10.3
  • Mac OS X 10.2
  • Mac OS X 10.1
  • Mac OS X 10.0

Additional Requirements:

  • Mac OS X 10.0 or higher

Screenshots:

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Download Links:

Download Layer Four Traceroute Version 2.3.1 (File Size: 104k)

Download Links:

Download Layer Four Traceroute Current Version (File Size: 167k)

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Version 2.3.1:
Overall Rating: Not rated (0.0) Features: Not rated (0.0) Support: Not rated (0.0)
Ease of Use: Not rated (0.0) Quality / Stability: Not rated (0.0) Price: Not rated (0.0)
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Layer Four Traceroute ReviewBest total replacement for traceroute - Version: 3.0b, 12/20/2006 07:29AM PST

(2 of 2 users found this comment useful)

james150
This is the best total replacement for traceroute I've found. There are other options, notably tcptraceroute, but LFT doesn't make you choose between tracing protocols.. You can use TCP or UDP. You can manipulate protocol state and set every knob and lever you'd ever want. Plus, it's the only one available with integration of whois sources for routing information instead of just integrating registrar lookups. If you're looking for a flexible traceroute replacement that does it all, look no further. I've used this for years and it keeps getting better.

I also noticed the author has a graphical version for Windows and Mac OS X called Path Analyzer Pro. I haven't checked it out yet, but I will.
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Layer Four Traceroute CommentaryThe Easy Way - Version: 2.3.1, 7/20/2005 10:17PM PST

(2 of 3 users found this comment useful)

amcgee
Layer Four Traceroute is easily installable via the DarwinPorts package management system:

sudo port install lft
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Layer Four Traceroute Troubleshooting ReportThere *is* a pre-build version! - Version: 2.3.1, 6/29/2005 02:40PM PST

(4 of 5 users found this comment useful)

Marty.Skinner
Use the Developer's Site link above and then look for "LFT MacOS X" under the Download LFT section on the right.

You'd think that the pre-built version should be what's listed for this package on VersionTracker, not (just) the source kit.

It *is* just a command-line utility -- not a GUI so if you're not comfortable with Terminal you won't benefit from this package at all.

/Marty
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