How to install myLG on Ubuntu Linux?

Install libpcap-dev via apt, then use Go to build from source: 'go get github.com/mehrdadrad/mylg' and compile. This requires Go 1.7+ and manual setup, which can be more involved than apt-get installs for similar tools.

myLG vs mtr - which is better for real-time traceroute?

myLG offers integrated looking glass access and packet analysis, while mtr is a specialized, lightweight tool for continuous traceroute. Choose myLG for multi-tool consolidation, but mtr for focused, real-time path monitoring with less overhead.

Can myLG replace Wireshark for packet capture?

myLG includes a basic packet analyzer with filtering (e.g., dump tcp and port 443), but lacks Wireshark's advanced protocol dissection, GUI, and extensive plugin ecosystem. It's suitable for quick CLI captures, not deep analysis.

How to use myLG for BGP queries from looking glasses?

Use commands like 'lg/telia/los angeles> bgp 8.8.8.0/24' to fetch BGP routing tables from integrated carriers. This requires familiarity with looking glass syntax and myLG's interactive CLI mode.

Is myLG good for monitoring home networks?

Yes, for tasks like LAN discovery and port scanning, but its CLI focus and setup complexity might be overkill compared to simpler GUI tools like Advanced IP Scanner for casual users.

How to configure the web dashboard in myLG?

Set parameters via 'set web port 8080' and 'set web address 127.0.0.1' in the CLI, then access the dashboard via browser. However, detailed configuration options are not extensively documented in the README.

Open-Awesome

myLG

MITGov0.2.6

A command-line network diagnostic tool that combines multiple network probes like ping, traceroute, BGP, and packet analysis.

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2.7k stars237 forks0 contributors

What is myLG?

myLG is an open-source command-line network diagnostic tool that integrates multiple network probes into a single utility. It provides a comprehensive suite for troubleshooting and analyzing network performance, connectivity, and infrastructure, consolidating functions like looking glass queries, DNS lookups, packet analysis, and network discovery. The tool aims to streamline network diagnostics by offering a unified, efficient interface for professionals.

Target Audience

Network engineers, administrators, and IT professionals who need a consolidated tool for network troubleshooting, performance analysis, and infrastructure monitoring. It is particularly suited for those managing complex networks who require integrated access to looking glasses, packet capture, and discovery tools from the command line.

Value Proposition

Developers choose myLG because it combines over a dozen specialized network diagnostic tools into one cohesive CLI application, eliminating the need to switch between disparate utilities. Its unique selling point is the integration of looking glass access to major carriers, real-time packet analysis, and network management system (NMS) capabilities, all enhanced with CLI features like auto-complete and a web dashboard for flexibility.

Overview

Network Diagnostic Tool

Use Cases

Best For

Querying multiple network looking glasses (e.g., Telia, Level3) for ping, traceroute, and BGP information from a single interface.
Performing DNS lookups with geographic data from over 200 countries to analyze global DNS resolution.
Capturing and analyzing TCP/IP packets in real-time for network traffic inspection and debugging.
Discovering devices on a local area network (LAN) and gathering details like MAC addresses and hostnames.
Scanning for open ports on target hosts to assess service availability and security posture.
Retrieving ASN, IP/CIDR data from RIPE and peering information from PeeringDB for network research and planning.

Not Ideal For

Teams requiring graphical network analysis tools with drag-and-drop interfaces, like Wireshark's deep packet inspection GUI.
Environments with restricted software installation policies where dependencies like libpcap and Go compiler are not permitted.
Projects needing enterprise-grade network monitoring with automated alerting, log aggregation, and integration into existing SIEM systems.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Unified Looking Glass Access

Integrates queries to major carrier looking glasses (Telia, Level3, NTT) for ping, traceroute, and BGP data directly from the CLI, as shown in the usage examples with telia/los angeles> bgp commands.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Suite

Consolidates over a dozen tools including DNS lookup from 200+ countries, packet analyzer, port scanning, and LAN discovery, reducing the need to switch between separate utilities like dig or nmap.

CLI Productivity Enhancements

Supports vi/emacs editing modes, auto-complete, and command history, making it efficient for network professionals who prefer keyboard-driven workflows, as mentioned in the features list.

Flexible Web Interface

Includes a web dashboard for monitoring and diagnostics, providing an alternative to CLI for real-time visualizations, evidenced by the web dashboard feature and demo images.

Cons

Non-Trivial Setup Process

Requires installation of Go 1.7+ and libpcap dependencies, which adds complexity compared to single-binary tools or those available via standard package managers.

Limited Documentation Depth

The README provides usage examples but lacks comprehensive guides for advanced configuration, troubleshooting, or API integration, potentially stalling new users.

Early Development Stage

Versioned as v0.2.6 in the usage output, indicating it may have unstable APIs, incomplete features, or breaking changes that could affect production use.

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