I am working on a project in which I do several tests with packets being passed across a network. The question I am asking is how to find out what regular packets might be like. For instance if someone was doing a regular thing such as checking their email, surfing the web, or chatting on Skype. What would the packets contain that were being transferred? How could I replicate these packets and build them myself? How could I find some on my own computer? I would be thankful for any information on the topic and would be glad to elaborate more on certain areas if necessary. Thanks in advance!
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Packets could contain anything– it depends on the protocols, or agreed rules, being used to communicate between two systems. There are also different layers of protocols which are built upon one another. You should read up on the OSI model, and read about common protocols used within it (e.g. IP, TCP, UDP, etc. to name just a few). If you wanted to examine packets that are coming into or going out of a computer, you would use a program (or device) called a packet analyzer or sniffer. Try googling on these terms and that should get you started at least. Networking is a very broad and complex topic.