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Can I track a file upload and see where it fails?

0

I apologize for the probably complete noob question. This is my problem and what I need to do.

I am currently unable to upload files >100kb in size to any other website (dropbox, work server, send email with an attachment, etc) during my ISPs (Windstream) prime time. What is happening is that files that must be fragmented to transmit are failing somewhere along the route and the upload fail.

Windstream refuses to acknowledge any problem. Their stance is since I can get online and surf the internet there is no problem

Can Wireshark track a file upload over the internet and let me know where along the path the upload fails? If not, is there anything that can?

Thank you for your help.

asked 21 Jun '15, 11:16

Cortilian's gravatar image

Cortilian
5113
accept rate: 0%


One Answer:

1

Can Wireshark track a file upload over the internet and let me know where along the path the upload fails?

you can capture the upload and figure out what's causing the failure (RESET, timeout, packet loss, etc.) however there is no way to figure out where the error/problem occurs! The only thing you can say: It's somewhere between your client and the servers on the internet. Could be your network, could be the last mile to your home, could be your ISP, could be another ISP, your traffic has to cross, etc.

If not, is there anything that can?

No, there isn't.

If the problem is indeed your ISP, then you'd have to capture at several points within their network to find the bottleneck, but I guess that's not going to happen.

Windstream refuses to acknowledge any problem. Their stance is since I can get online and surf the internet there is no problem

well, what else do you expect to hear from their first line support ;-) There is never a problem on the ISP network :-)

BTW: If you have a work server (you mentioned it), you could capture at your client and at your server at the same time. In that capture file you should see packet loss. With that "evidence" you can try to talk to their support people again, but based on my experience, I'm telling you, that's going to lead nowhere (see a similar discussion with @Lucidcryotank)

So, what can you do?

Regards
Kurt

answered 21 Jun '15, 11:59

Kurt%20Knochner's gravatar image

Kurt Knochner ♦
24.8k1039237
accept rate: 15%

edited 21 Jun '15, 14:02

Thanks a bunch for the info.

(21 Jun '15, 12:13) Cortilian

You're welcome.

Hint: If a supplied answer resolves your question can you please "accept" it by clicking the checkmark icon next to it. This highlights good answers for the benefit of subsequent users with the same or similar questions. For extra points you can up vote the answer (thumb up).

(21 Jun '15, 13:00) Kurt Knochner ♦