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pilens/docs/limitations.md
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Known limitations (v0.1)

Encryption. PiLens captures packets; it does not decrypt them. HTTPS, QUIC/HTTP-3, TLS 1.3 with Encrypted ClientHello, DNS-over-HTTPS/TLS, and VPN traffic are visible only as encrypted packets plus whatever metadata the protocol exposes in clear (for TLS ≤1.3 without ECH: SNI, versions, ALPN; for TLS 1.2: certificates). The optional HTTPS inspection mode (client-installed CA via mitmproxy) is not implemented in this version, and even when it is, it will not work against certificate pinning, private trust stores, mutual TLS, QUIC, or apps that bypass proxies.

Not yet implemented: conversations view, follow TCP stream, DNS/TLS/HTTP explorers, statistics charts, findings/diagnostics rules, capture scheduling, the strict inspection mode, WireGuard, packet comparison. They are not shown in the UI.

IPv6 is blocked for AP clients rather than routed (see network.md).

AP features. Max-client limits are not available through NetworkManager. WPA2/WPA3 transition mode is not offered. WPA3 (SAE) in AP mode depends on the Wi-Fi driver and firmware. On the Raspberry Pi's brcmfmac it may fail, in which case the change is rolled back.

Capture.

  • One live capture at a time.
  • Display filters on large captures run tshark over every segment. That takes seconds per GiB on a Pi 4/5, and results are cached per filter.
  • The packet table's scroll height is limited by browser element-size limits (about 1.5 million rows at compact density). Use a display filter for larger captures.
  • Capture drop counts are reported by dumpcap when the capture stops, not live.

Performance figures have not yet been measured on hardware, so none are claimed. docs/testing.md lists the benchmarks to run.

Single administrator role. Every account has full rights.