Active sniffing - An Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) spoofing or traffic-flooding attack is launched against a switch in order to capture traffic.

Passive sniffing - This involves simply listening to and capturing traffic.

Network sniffers can be operated in two modes. Depending on who is using the packet analyzer, the information provided by the tool can be used in a variety of ways. The software analyzes the traffic and converts it to a user-friendly format.

Networks and computers discard all messages that are not intended for them via a network filter.Ī network packet sniffer operates by intercepting and logging the network traffic. When the data arrives at its destination, the message’s headers and footers are stripped off and the data is reconstructed. Information included with each transmission includes: When files or emails are sent they are broken into smaller packets before being sent to their destination. Networks send data in distinct packets in order to maintain data integrity and avoid network congestion. How Does a Network Sniffer Work?Ī network sniffer takes advantage of the method in which data is transmitted across a network. Wireless network sniffers are used to monitor and potentially gain entry into WiFi networks which are becoming more prevalent every day. Network admins and hackers both have the same tools but with very different intentions. The same tool can be used for constructive or malicious purposes depending on who is operating the application. There are many software network sniffing tools available that make it possible for anyone to monitor network traffic. Hardware implementations of a packet analyzer are mostly employed by network administrators or security professionals operating with large networks.

You may be familiar with the tool under one of its other names such as packet analyzer, network analyzer, or protocol analyzer. What is a Network Sniffer?Ī network sniffer is a software tool or piece of hardware which is used to monitor network traffic. The same network sniffer tools can be used to subvert or enhance network security, as we shall soon see. Specialized tools such as network sniffers are required by network administrators to understand and optimize their networks. They also introduce increased complexity to computer systems while posing potential security risks that were not a concern with standalone machines. Networks increase the utility of computers by making them accessible to anyone no matter where they are located.

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