Tracking down network traffic bottlenecks.Other positive uses of network sniffers include: Network packet sniffing can help enhance your security, performing network penetration testing by monitoring the data and ensuring it is encrypted. This can give network sniffing tools a bad reputation however, there are still many legitimate uses for network sniffers.

In the wrong hands, network sniffing tools can allow anyone with little to no hacking skills to monitor network traffic over unsecured WiFi networks in order to steal passwords and other private information. However, a common use for them today lies in black hat hacking. These are all legitimate uses for a network sniffer. You can also use them to help find security holes in your environment.

What are example uses for network sniffers?įor example, a network sniffer can monitor network usage and track down someone using excessive bandwidth at a university or business organization.

Network administrators can use this information to help optimize their environment. A network sniffer “sniffs” or monitors network traffic for information (e.g., where it’s coming from, which device, the protocol used, etc.).

Network ip sniffer