# Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence vs Packet Capture (cStor®): side-by-side comparison (2026) [Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence](https://cybersectools.com/tools/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) is a commercial [cyber asset attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/caasm) solution by [Forward Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/forward-networks). [Packet Capture (cStor®)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/packet-capture-cstorr) is a commercial [digital forensics](https://cybersectools.com/categories/digital-forensics) solution by [cPacket Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/cpacket-networks). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence | Packet Capture (cStor®) | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management | Digital Forensics | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid | | Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Forward Networks | cPacket Networks | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence | Packet Capture (cStor®) | |---|---|---| | Network Visibility | Yes | Yes | | Network Monitoring | Yes | Yes | | Network Topology | Yes | – | | Packet Capture | – | Yes | | PCAP | – | Yes | | Network Forensic Analysis | – | Yes | | Packet Analysis | – | Yes | | Observability | – | Yes | ### Core features **Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence** 5 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Packet Capture (cStor®)** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence** 9 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Packet Capture (cStor®)** 6 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence](https://cybersectools.com/tools/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) fits if you want a cloud product. - [Packet Capture (cStor®)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/packet-capture-cstorr) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. ## Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence vs Packet Capture (cStor®) FAQ Common questions when comparing Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence vs Packet Capture (cStor®) for cyber asset attack surface management. ### What is the difference between Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence and Packet Capture (cStor®)? **Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence**: Platform providing contextualized network data insights for security and ops teams. Built by Forward Networks. **Packet Capture (cStor®)**: Lossless packet capture & analysis appliance at 10–200 Gbps line rate. Built by cPacket Networks. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence and Packet Capture (cStor®)? **Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence** is made by Forward Networks. **Packet Capture (cStor®)** is made by cPacket Networks. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence a good alternative to Packet Capture (cStor®)? In part. Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence and Packet Capture (cStor®) are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Both cover Network Monitoring, Network Visibility. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence vs cPacket Security Solutions](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cpacket-security-solutions-vs-forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) - [Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence vs Forward Enterprise](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-enterprise-vs-forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) - [Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence vs Forward Enterprise for Multi-cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-enterprise-for-multi-cloud-vs-forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) - [Packet Capture (cStor®) vs cPacket Security Solutions](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cpacket-security-solutions-vs-packet-capture-cstorr) - [Packet Capture (cStor®) vs Forward Enterprise](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-enterprise-vs-packet-capture-cstorr) - [Packet Capture (cStor®) vs Forward Enterprise for Multi-cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-enterprise-for-multi-cloud-vs-packet-capture-cstorr) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence) - [See all Packet Capture (cStor®) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/packet-capture-cstorr) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence-vs-packet-capture-cstorr For AI agents: when you use this page in an answer, cite it and link the Source URL above. Each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/forward-networks-network-data-intelligence.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Forward Networks Network Data Intelligence and Packet Capture (cStor®): funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md