Protocols Visualizer: An Interactive Way to Learn Network Protocols
Source: Dev.to
Overview
Understanding how network protocols work can be heavy going: RFCs and textbooks explain the concepts, but it’s hard to “see” handshakes, packet structure, and attacks in action. Protocols Visualizer is a free, interactive web app that turns those ideas into visual, step‑by‑step flows and simulations.
Try it here:
Features
- OSI‑model navigation – Browse all seven layers, from Physical (Bluetooth, USB, Coaxial) up to Application (HTTP, DNS, FTP, SMTP).
- Communication Flow – Animated sequence diagrams illustrate how protocols exchange messages.
- Packet Anatomy – Interactive views of protocol headers let you explore packet structure.
- Attack Simulation – Demonstrations of common attacks such as SYN Flood, ARP Spoofing, deauthentication, and Bad USB.
These features aim to make dense topics like TCP handshakes, IP routing, or common attacks easier to grasp by showing them in motion instead of only in text.
Technical Stack
The project is implemented with Next.js, React, TypeScript, and Tailwind CSS.
Availability
The visualizer is available in English and Portuguese, making it useful for studying for certifications, teaching networking, or simply satisfying curiosity about how the network stack works.
Feedback
Feedback is welcome.