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The special network Device Driver used for some packet sniffing software is said to operate in " Promiscuous Mode " as it listens to everything on the wire.

The versatility of packet sniffers means they can be used to:
  • Analyse network problems

  • Detect Network Intrusion attempts

  • Gain information for effecting a network intrusion

  • Monitor network usage

  • Gather and report network statistics

  • Filter suspect content from network traffic

  • Spy on other network users and collect sensitive information such as passwords (depending on any content Encryption methods which may be in use)

  • Reverse Engineer Protocols used over the network

  • Debug client/server communications

    • ''See also:'' Wireless Sniffer



EXAMPLE USES

  • A packet sniffer for a Token Ring network could detect that the token has been lost or the presence of too many tokens (verifying the protocol).

  • A packet sniffer could detect that messages are being sent to a NIC , if the NIC did not report receiving the messages then this would localize the failure to the NIC.

  • A packet sniffer could detect excessive messages being sent by a port, detecting an error in the implementation.

  • A packet sniffer could collect statistics on the amount of traffic (number of messages) from a process detecting the need for more bandwidth or a better method.

  • A packet sniffer could be used to extract messages and reassemble into a compete form the traffic from a process, allowing it to be reverse engineered.



WELL-KNOWN PACKET SNIFFERS (ALPHABETICAL)



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