SCTP Lens

Inspect SCTP traffic and M3UA payloads in minutes.

SCTP Lens is a desktop-first network analysis tool for engineers who need to quickly quantify SCTP traffic and inspect M3UA-related packets inside PCAP files. It helps telecom, signaling, and network operations teams move from raw captures to actionable findings without writing scripts or manually hunting through packet data.

Business Goals

  • Reach 1,000 monthly active users within 6 months of launch, with at least 35% coming from telecom or network operations roles.
  • Achieve a 25% activation rate from first file upload to first successful analysis session within 10 minutes.
  • Drive 40% of users to analyze at least 3 PCAPs per month by month 4, indicating repeat operational use.
  • Maintain a paid conversion rate of 8–12% from team and advanced export features within 9 months.
  • Reduce support tickets related to packet inspection workflows by 30% compared with manual script-based workflows.

User Goals

  • Open a PCAP and immediately see total packet counts and SCTP packet counts.
  • Filter capture files by protocol or display filter and inspect the first matching packet structure.
  • Validate whether M3UA traffic exists in a capture without writing Python code.
  • Export results for sharing in incident reports or troubleshooting tickets.
  • Handle large captures without the app freezing or requiring command-line setup.

Non-Goals

  • Full packet editing or packet injection into live networks.
  • Deep protocol dissection for every imaginable SCTP extension or vendor-specific payload.
  • Real-time packet capture from network interfaces in the MVP.
  • Replacing Wireshark for exhaustive forensic analysis across all protocols.

Telecom NOC Engineer Amina, 34 - Amina investigates signaling issues on live incidents and receives PCAPs from field engineers. She needs a fast way to confirm whether SCTP and M3UA traffic are present before escalating to protocol specialists.

Telecom NOC Engineer Amina, 34

  • As a telecom NOC engineer, I want to upload a capture and see SCTP counts instantly, so that I can assess whether the issue involves signaling traffic.
  • As a telecom NOC engineer, I want to filter by M3UA and inspect sample packet layers, so that I can confirm the payload type without opening multiple tools.
  • As a telecom NOC engineer, I want to export a short summary, so that I can attach evidence to incident tickets.

Network Analyst Bruno, 41 - Bruno supports enterprise backbones and often receives large PCAPs from packet brokers or SPAN ports. He prefers tools that are faster than scripting but more focused than a full packet suite for quick triage.

Network Analyst Bruno, 41

  • As a network analyst, I want to drag and drop a PCAP and get a quick protocol breakdown, so that I can triage captures in under a minute.
  • As a network analyst, I want clear error messages for corrupted or password-protected files, so that I know what to fix next.
  • As a network analyst, I want to compare multiple captures side by side, so that I can spot regression patterns between incidents.

Solutions Architect Layla, 29 - Layla works with customer-facing escalations and needs repeatable analysis artifacts. She values a lightweight tool that can be shared across teams without teaching everyone Python or Scapy.

Solutions Architect Layla, 29

  • As a solutions architect, I want standardized output from every analysis, so that I can reuse it in customer reports.
  • As a solutions architect, I want the tool to run locally and keep captures private, so that I can handle sensitive customer data safely.
  • As a solutions architect, I want to copy key findings into Slack or Jira quickly, so that I can keep incident response moving.

PCAP Ingestion and Parsing · High priority

  • Allow users to open local PCAP files and compute basic traffic statistics quickly and reliably.
  • Support files up to at least 2 GB in the desktop app MVP.
  • Read captures incrementally so large files do not require full memory loading.
  • Detect and report unreadable, truncated, or unsupported PCAP variants with clear remediation guidance.
  • Preserve original file metadata such as name, size, and timestamp of import.
  • Show total packets and SCTP packet count as the first visible summary result.

Protocol Filtering and Inspection · High priority

  • Provide focused analysis for SCTP and M3UA traffic using display filters and packet layer inspection.
  • Support a preset filter for SCTP and a saved filter for m3ua.
  • Show the first matching packet layers and key header fields for quick confirmation.
  • Surface counts for matching packets and percentage of total capture.
  • Handle captures with no SCTP or no M3UA gracefully with empty-state messaging.
  • Allow filter switching without re-importing the file.

Analysis Dashboard · High priority

  • Present a compact operational view that summarizes capture contents at a glance.
  • Display summary cards for total packets, SCTP packets, and filtered matches.
  • Include a simple timeline or distribution view for packet activity over time.
  • Provide packet-size and protocol breakdown tables for quick triage.
  • Allow sorting and copy-to-clipboard for important fields.
  • Refresh results immediately after analysis completes.

Export and Reporting · Medium priority

  • Make it easy to share findings with incident management and engineering teams.
  • Export summary results to CSV and JSON.
  • Generate a shareable text report containing file metadata, counts, and filter results.
  • Copy packet layer details to clipboard in a structured format.
  • Include an analysis timestamp and app version in every export.
  • Warn users when exports may include sensitive capture data.

User Settings and Privacy · Medium priority

  • Keep the product safe for sensitive network data and easy to configure for repeated use.
  • Run analyses locally by default with no capture upload to the cloud.
  • Offer a recent-files list with opt-in persistence.
  • Allow users to toggle anonymization of IP and MAC addresses in exports.
  • Store settings locally per device and support reset-to-default.
  • Provide a clear privacy notice for how files are processed.

Quick Capture Import

  • Open the app and see a single import screen with drag-and-drop plus browse file options.
  • Drop a PCAP file or select one from disk.
  • The app validates file type and shows size, estimated processing time, and privacy note.
  • Analysis begins immediately and shows a progress indicator within 2 seconds.
  • Within 10 seconds for a 500 MB file, the user sees totals and SCTP counts.
  • If the file is unsupported or corrupted, the user gets a clear fix-it message and retry action.

1. Import Capture

  • The user loads a local PCAP file into the app.
  • Accept .pcap and .pcapng with validation before parsing.
  • Reject unsupported files with a helpful error and example of valid input.
  • Show file metadata and a recent-files shortcut for repeat analysis.

2. Parse and Summarize

  • The app scans the capture and computes top-level packet statistics.
  • Count total packets and SCTP packets in a streaming pass.
  • Show live progress for large files with estimated completion.
  • Avoid freezing the UI by offloading parsing to a worker thread or background process.

3. Apply Protocol Filter

  • The user chooses a built-in SCTP or M3UA filter to isolate traffic.
  • Support preset filters and a basic custom display filter input.
  • Validate filter syntax before running and explain invalid expressions.
  • Show zero-result states when no packets match the filter.

4. Inspect Packet Layers

  • The user opens a sample packet to inspect protocol layers and fields.
  • Render layer stacks in a readable hierarchy with key field summaries.
  • Allow copy of individual field values and full packet summaries.
  • Handle packets with missing layers or malformed fields without crashing.

5. Export Findings

  • The user saves the analysis output for tickets or reporting.
  • Export CSV, JSON, and plain-text report formats.
  • Include file name, timestamp, counts, applied filters, and app version.
  • Offer one-click copy for chat tools and issue trackers.

Power User Tools

  • Batch analyze a folder of PCAP files and compare SCTP counts across captures.
  • Save and reuse custom display filters for frequent investigations.
  • Anonymize sensitive fields before export or screenshot sharing.
  • Compare two captures with delta summaries for packet counts and filter matches.
  • Open packet details in a side-by-side diff view for repeated incidents.

Fast, Readable, Safe

  • Single-screen dashboard with summary cards and clear empty states.
  • High-contrast packet tables with keyboard navigation and screen reader labels.
  • Progressive loading so large files remain responsive during parsing.
  • Color coding for protocol layers with an accessible, non-color-only backup cue.
  • Performance-first layout that prioritizes the summary result above deep inspection.

Amina receives a PCAP from a carrier incident and needs to know quickly whether signaling traffic is present. Instead of opening a notebook and running Python scripts with Scapy and PyShark, she drops the file into SCTP Lens and immediately sees total packets, SCTP counts, and whether M3UA packets exist.

She clicks the M3UA filter, inspects the first matching packet layers, and copies a compact report into the incident ticket. What used to take several minutes of setup and manual scripting now takes less than a minute, letting her escalate with confidence and keep the network team focused on resolution.

For the business, that speed translates into more repeat usage, faster incident triage, and less dependence on ad hoc scripts that vary by engineer. The tool becomes the default first stop for SCTP investigations and a shared workflow across operations, support, and solution teams.

User-Centric Metrics

  • Median time from file open to first summary result under 10 seconds for 500 MB PCAPs.
  • At least 90% of successful imports show SCTP count and total packet count on first view.
  • 80% of users can complete an M3UA filter check without help during first session.
  • Average task completion rating of 4.5 out of 5 for common triage workflows.
  • Less than 5% of analysis sessions end in parsing errors for supported file types.

Business Metrics

  • 25% first-session activation rate from install to completed analysis within 10 minutes.
  • 40% monthly retention among activated users by month 3.
  • 8–12% conversion to paid team or advanced export plan within 9 months.
  • 30% increase in repeat analysis sessions per user over 6 months.
  • At least 20% of new users come from referrals or internal team sharing by month 6.

Technical Metrics

  • 99.9% desktop app crash-free sessions on supported file types.
  • Analysis UI responds within 200 ms to filter changes after parsing is complete.
  • Background parsing keeps main-thread frame drops below 5% during import.
  • All local processing remains on-device with no accidental file exfiltration events.

Tracking Plan

  • file_imported event with file size, extension, and source.
  • analysis_started event with capture metadata and app version.
  • analysis_completed event with total packet count, SCTP count, and duration.
  • filter_applied event with filter type, syntax validity, and match count.
  • packet_inspected event with protocol layers viewed and time to inspect.
  • export_generated event with export format and anonymization enabled flag.
  • error_encountered event with error category, file type, and recovery action chosen.

Technical Needs

  • Desktop application built with Electron and a React frontend for cross-platform delivery.
  • Background parsing worker using Node.js child processes or Rust-based parser for responsiveness.
  • Packet parsing through Scapy-inspired logic or tshark-backed decoding for protocol visibility.
  • Local state management with SQLite for recent files, settings, and cached summaries.
  • File analysis pipeline optimized for streaming reads instead of loading entire captures into memory.
  • Secure export generation with configurable anonymization rules and audit-friendly metadata.
  • Automated test harness with fixture PCAPs and regression snapshots for counts and filters.

Integration Points

  • Wireshark/tshark for protocol decoding parity and validation.
  • Optional SSO for team plans via Google Workspace or Microsoft Entra ID.
  • Slack or Microsoft Teams for shareable analysis snippets.
  • Jira for incident ticket attachment links and export handoff.
  • Filesystem access for local PCAP import and report export.

Data Storage & Privacy

  • Default to local-only processing with no cloud upload of capture contents.
  • Store recent files and user preferences locally with clear opt-in controls.
  • Encrypt any cached metadata at rest using OS-native secure storage where available.
  • Provide anonymization of IP addresses, MAC addresses, and hostnames in exports.
  • Document GDPR and CCPA handling for any telemetry that does not include packet payloads.

Scalability & Performance

  • Stream packet parsing to support multi-gigabyte captures without memory spikes.
  • Use background workers so the UI remains interactive during long imports.
  • Cache parsed summary results for recently opened files to speed re-open performance.
  • Profile and optimize filter application for sub-second response on already parsed data.

Potential Challenges

  • Very large or malformed PCAPs may slow parsing; mitigate with streaming readers, chunked processing, and graceful timeout messaging.
  • Protocol decoding differences between libraries may cause inconsistent results; mitigate with tshark validation and a fixture-based regression suite.
  • Sensitive customer data could be exposed in exports; mitigate with anonymization defaults and explicit warnings before sharing.
  • Cross-platform filesystem quirks may break file import; mitigate with platform-specific file dialogs and integration tests on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
  • Users may expect full Wireshark parity; mitigate by scoping the product around fast SCTP/M3UA triage and clearly communicating non-goals.

Team & resourcing - Small team - 2 engineers, 1 designer, part-time PM, and QA shared across release.

Phase 1: MVP Import and Counts · Weeks 1-4

  • Desktop shell with local PCAP import
  • Streaming packet count and SCTP count summary
  • Basic error handling for invalid or corrupted files
  • Recent files list and minimal settings panel

Phase 2: Filtering and Layer Inspection · Weeks 5-8

  • Preset SCTP and M3UA filters
  • Packet layer viewer for first match and selected packets
  • Filter validation and empty states
  • Copy-to-clipboard for packet details

Phase 3: Export and Team Sharing · Weeks 9-11

  • CSV, JSON, and text report exports
  • Anonymization toggle for sensitive fields
  • Shareable summary output for Slack, Teams, and Jira
  • Telemetry for import, analysis, and export events

Phase 4: Polish and Scale · Weeks 12-14

  • Performance tuning for large captures
  • Batch analysis for multiple PCAPs
  • Accessibility improvements and keyboard shortcuts
  • Release hardening, installer packaging, and regression test suite

Paste this into Cursor, Bolt, Lovable, or v0 to start building.

Build a desktop-first network analysis app called SCTP Lens for inspecting PCAP files, focused on fast SCTP and M3UA triage.

Core product:
Users import local .pcap and .pcapng files, the app streams through the capture, shows total packet count and SCTP packet count, lets users apply preset filters for SCTP and M3UA, and inspect packet layers for the first matching packet. The app should be local-first, fast, and safe for sensitive telecom/network data.

Primary screens and flows:
1. Import screen with drag-and-drop, file picker, recent files, file validation, and privacy note.
2. Analysis dashboard with summary cards for total packets, SCTP packets, match count, progress state, and a simple protocol breakdown view.
3. Filter panel with preset filters plus a custom display-filter input with syntax validation.
4. Packet inspector showing layer hierarchy and key field values for the selected or first matching packet.
5. Export modal for CSV, JSON, and plain-text summary reports with optional anonymization.
6. Settings screen for local preferences, recent-files behavior, and anonymization defaults.

Data model:
CaptureFile id, name, path, sizeBytes, importedAt, fileType, status, errorMessage
AnalysisResult id, captureFileId, totalPackets, sctpPackets, m3uaPackets, durationMs, createdAt
FilterPreset id, name, expression, description, matchCount
PacketSummary id, analysisResultId, index, timestamp, layers, src, dst, protocol, sizeBytes
ExportJob id, analysisResultId, format, anonymize, createdAt, status, outputPath
UserSetting key, value, updatedAt

Technical approach:
Use Electron + React + TypeScript for the UI, with a Node.js background worker or Rust sidecar for streaming parsing to keep the UI responsive. Use tshark or a well-tested packet parsing library for protocol decoding, and SQLite for local metadata caching and recent files. Add a small analytics layer for local event tracking only, with no packet payloads sent to the server.

Requirements:
Implement drag-and-drop import, streaming progress, counts, filter application, packet layer viewer, export generation, anonymization, error handling, and keyboard-accessible UI. Keep the first usable summary visible within 10 seconds for a 500 MB capture on a typical laptop. Include accessible colors, screen-reader labels, and responsive tables. Build with sensible defaults and mock fixture PCAP data for development.

Business Idea

python -m venv venv source venv/bin/activate # على ويندوز: venv\Scripts\activate pip install scapy pyshark from scapy.all import PcapReader, SCTP total = sctp_count = 0 with PcapReader("capture.pcap") as pcap: for pkt in pcap: total += 1 if SCTP in pkt: sctp_count += 1 print(f"إجمالي الحزم: {total}") print(f"حزم SCTP: {sctp_count}") import pyshark cap = pyshark.FileCapture("capture.pcap", display_filter="m3ua") for pkt in cap: print(pkt.layers) break cap.close()

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