1. How to configure sniffer for 802.15.4
1.1. Introduction
The 802.15.4 sniffer allows the user to detect and record 802.15.4 packets, including Zigbee® and Thread protocols, transmitted between devices in the vicinity of the sniffer device. The captured packets are logged and presented in a readable format using Wireshark, which is a free external software tool.
1.2. Download and install the package
Download the latest version of STM32CubeMonRf. Extract the archive and install the application (this may require administrator rights).
Before launching the application and using the 802.15.4 sniffer, you must have:
- Wireshark version 4.0.4 or higher
- Wireshark extension (refer to the section Add the Wireshark extension below)
- Python, version 2.7.x
- PySerial, version 1.5 (Python library)
- Hardware flashed with the binaries (refer to the section How to flash the board below)
1.3. Add the Wireshark extension
In C:\Program Files\STMicroelectronics\STM32CubeMonitor-RF\sniffer (default path), you can find two files:
- stm32cubeMonRf_sniffer.py
- stm32cubeMonRf_sniffer.bat
Copy these files and paste in the Wireshark extcap directory.
To find the Wireshark extcap directory, open Wireshark, go to Help -> About Wireshark -> Folders -> Personal Extcap path (click on the link).
1.4. How to flash the board
You can use two types of STM32WB55:
- Dongle: P-NUCLEO-WB55
- Nucleo: NUCLEO-WB55RG
The wireless stack is in the \Projects\STM32WB_Copro_Wireless_Binaries\STM32WB5x\stm32wb5x_Mac_802_15_4_fw.bin folder. The firmware binaries are Mac_802_15_4_Sniffer_Dongle.bin and Mac_802_15_4_Sniffer_Nucleo.bin. The location changes with the operating system.
- a) For Windows, the firmware is in the <Public documents>\STMicroelectronics\STM32CubeMonitor-RF\sniffer folder, that is C:\Users\Public\Documents\STMicroelectronics\ STM32CubeMonitor-RF\firmwares.
- b) For Linux, the firmware is in the <userhome>/STMicroelectronics/STM32CubeMonitor-RF/sniffer folder.
- c) For macOS®, the firmware is in the document folder provided in the setup package \Users\Public\Documents\STMicroelectronics\STM32CubeMonitor-RF\firmwares\Mac_802_15_4_Sniffer.bin
Use STM32CubeProgrammer to flash the board. There are two binaries to flash:
- For M0, use the STM32WB_Copro_Wireless_Binaries\STM32WB5x\stm32wb5x_Mac_802_15_4_fw.bin (address is in the Copro manual).
- For M4, use the Mac_802_15_4_Sniffer_Nucleo.bin for nucleo and Mac_802_15_4_Sniffer_Dongle.bin for dongle (address 0x08000000).
For questions, you can find all information in the Copro manuel.
1.5. Use STM32CubeMonitorRF
Open the STM32CubeMonitorRF, click on the 802.15.4 sniffer. When Wireshark opens, click on STM32CubeMonitorRF 802.15.4 sniffer.
To change the channel, click on the gear icon. This opens a new window where you can select your channel (between 11 and 26).
When you have finished the configuration, double click on STM32CubeMonitorRF 802.15.4 sniffer to open a new window which displays all frames.
1.6. Tips
Sniff multiple channels: the number of sniffers must equal the number of channel sniffers.
- First step: Configure the sniffers with the desired channels, and click on the gear icon.
- Second step: Select sniffers, right click -> select Start capture:
- Third step: Then add a new channel column:
- Fourth step: Now you have two or more channels:
