Router Interrogations: How to Conduct a Forensic Examination On-Scene
Instructor: Glenn Bard
Course Format: Online
Date: December 4, 2026
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $175.00
Category: Computer & Internet, Investigations
Overview
Router interrogations represent a critical yet frequently overlooked procedure that should be performed at search warrants and crime scenes. Performing this examination properly yields significant investigative benefits, such as determining the total number of devices requiring seizure, establishing whether neighboring properties were involved in criminal activity, and detecting potential network intrusions. Since the router serves as the gateway to any network infrastructure, maintaining control over it is essential—just as law enforcement maintains control over a physical location during operations. However, extracting the router for laboratory analysis is not a viable option, as this approach destroys all stored data permanently. This training equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform comprehensive forensic examinations of routers while on-site.
Topics Covered
Participants will explore the following areas:
- Including router examination in search warrant documentation
- Justification for conducting examinations in the field rather than in a laboratory setting
- Fundamentals of network architecture and operation
- Router functionality and operation
- IP address concepts and management
- Public and private address schemes
- Address assignment methods: static, dynamic, and lease-based configurations
- Preparation and equipment requirements for field examinations
- Proper examination procedures and interface techniques
- Five critical elements to identify during the examination
- Troubleshooting and identifying common issues
- Encryption challenges and solutions
- Connected device identification
- Recognition of potential intrusion indicators
- Proper documentation procedures and report writing