SplitCap

Splitcap, or splitcap, is a term used in multiple domains. In computing, SplitCap refers to a software tool designed to split large PCAP (packet capture) files into multiple smaller PCAPs based on criteria such as IP address, port, protocol, or time window. This facilitates manageable analysis and reduces memory requirements during forensic processing.

The tool reads standard PCAP/pcapng formats and writes out separate capture files, preserving original link-layer and higher-layer information. It is commonly used in network forensics and traffic analysis workflows, often in combination with Wireshark or other analyzers.

In finance, split-capital refers to a class of investment trusts that divide capital into multiple share classes with different rights to income and capital, known as split-capital investment trusts (splitcaps). They emerged in the 1980s in the United Kingdom and grew in popularity before being largely wound down during the market stress of the late 1990s. The term is historical in this context.

The meaning of splitcap therefore depends on context; in technology it denotes packet capture splitting, while in finance it denotes a structure of investment funds. See also: PCAP, PCAPNG, Wireshark, split-capital investment trust.