Skip to main content
Glama

arkime_session_pcap

Read-only

Download and validate the raw PCAP for one Arkime session. Returns metadata without saving to disk; optionally get only the download URL.

Instructions

Download and validate the PCAP for one Arkime session.

Fetches the raw PCAP bytes, checks the file-magic (pcap/pcapng), and returns metadata only — nothing is persisted to disk, and the MCP response carries metadata rather than raw bytes. Set url_only=True to get just the download URL for very large sessions (no download).

Args: session_id: Arkime session id (from arkime_sessions results). url_only: If true, return the URL only and skip the download.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
url_onlyNo
session_idYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Beyond annotations (readOnlyHint, destructiveHint), the description adds critical details: fetches raw bytes, validates file magic, returns metadata only, no persistence. No contradiction with annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise, well-structured with a lead sentence summarizing purpose, followed by behavioral details, and then parameter definitions. No fluff.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the simple tool with two parameters and an output schema, the description covers all necessary aspects: purpose, behavior, parameter meaning, and return value (metadata). Complete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 0%, so the description fully compensates by explaining both parameters: session_id (source) and url_only (behavioral toggle), including default and use case.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states 'Download and validate the PCAP for one Arkime session', specifying verb+resource, and distinguishes from sibling tools like arkime_sessions and arkime_session_detail by focusing on PCAP retrieval.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear usage context: for one session, with session_id from arkime_sessions results, and an option for large sessions via url_only. It lacks explicit when-not-to-use or alternatives, but gives sufficient guidance for appropriate use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/nagameTW/mcp-server-malcolm'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server