Packet analysis tools present traffic as linear sequences, requiring analysts to reconstruct relationships mentally. This session introduces a topology-based approach that visualises PCAP data as a graph of hosts and interactions, enabling immediate structural understanding.

Using real examples, including DNS failure caused by misconfigured routing, we compare traditional packet list workflows with topology-driven analysis. The approach reduces cognitive load, accelerates diagnosis, and highlights patterns that are difficult to see in sequential views.

The session includes live demonstrations showing how analysts can move from packet inspection to structural reasoning, and how this reasoning can be captured as guided investigative workflows embedded directly within the analysis environment.