What is a Wifi Network Analyzer?
Wifi network analyzers, also known as "packet sniffers" intercept, log and analyze data transferred between two mobile devices for the purpose of troubleshooting network issues, gathering wifi usage statistics, monitoring for security intrusions and for the Blackhat purpose of spying on users within the wifi connection involved in the packet sniffing. Later we will talk about Network traffic analyzer free of charge and other Ethernet network analyzers.
What types of Wifi Network Analyzers are there?
Wifi network analyzers come in hardware, as well as software, versions. Hardware used for packet sniffing typically work just like a router , where as software based wifi network analyzers run on of the devices being monitored. Software wifi packet sniffers are most commonly used for either the invasion of privacy or others or for monitoring server traffic, where as hardware wifi packet sniffers are most commonly used for diagnostics and monitoring for performance and security related purposes.
Wifi packet sniffing legalities
Packet sniffing, in the wrong context, is illegal and governed by multiple laws. For example, the Wiretap Act states, "to intercept and monitor [communications] placed over their facilities in order to combat fraud and theft of service." So, packet sniffing a loved one’s wireless device is illegal unless permission has been granted by the police or other higher powers.
Packet sniffing in the wrong hands allows people [aka: crackers and phreaks] to spy on user activities and collect private information regarding the users. That is why it is highly encouraged for anyone using Wifi to use only modern encrypted networks. It is also wise to use switches on LANs that your Wifi is hosted on, to assist in stopping packet sniffing. Google recently came under fire, for example, because they were intruding on unsecured networks for illegitimate purposes. By "illegitimate", this means that the law did not have a clause allowing such activity making the act illegal according to the Wiretap Act.
Legitimate uses of Wifi Network Analysis
Wifi packet sniffing is often used by law enforcement officials to monitor suspicious activity by terrorists, drug dealers, hackers and other types of criminals. Wifi Data Analyzers are also used in checking networks for DDoS [Distributed Denial of Service] attacks, illegal file sharing and general network diagnostics. Packet sniffing helps to see where issues in the Wifi network may exist.
More information on Wifi network analyzers:
We offer reviews on the top network analysis tools and services. Before purchasing or downloading any packet products, be sure to read our Wifi Network Analysis products and services reviews web pages. We also offer a small Wifi Glossary, which shows you a list of Wifi specific terms and definitions.