Network experts need a tool called a scanner to assess the state of the network and ensure that packets are correctly transmitted over the network. 

A scanner, which in Persian means scanner, is a computer program or piece of hardware that can intercept and record the flow of information in a network or part of a network.

The scanner monitors the flow of packets being exchanged across the network and, if necessary, decodes the packets’ raw information, displays the information of the various parts of the packet, and analyzes them according to its own map or other design specifications.

What is package recording?

Scanners record packets on networks, but what is packet recording? Packet Capture is the act of recording data packets on a computer network.

Deep Packet Capture records a packet at high network speed and packets of that network in full (header and body) on a network with a high traffic rate.

Once a packet has been recorded and stored in short-term or long-term memory, software tools perform deep packet inspection operations to review packet data, conduct legal analysis to determine the root cause of network problems, identify Security threats, and ensure communications compliance.

Enforce packages and network usage with specified policies. In-depth inspection operations can accompany some deep, closed recording operations.
As a result, all network traffic can be managed, reviewed, and analyzed in real time, while a historical archive of all network traffic can be maintained for future analysis.

Partial packet recording can record packet headers without its data part.

This reduces the storage space required and prevents legal problems. However, it still has enough data to reveal the information needed to diagnose the problem.

What are the capabilities of scanners?

On wired networks, depending on the network structure (switch), one can receive traffic on all or only parts of the network through a machine on the network. However, there are ways in which switches prevent network traffic from being accessed through other systems.

It may be appropriate to monitor all data packets on a LAN using a network switch called a monitoring port for network monitoring. The purpose of the monitoring port is to reflect all packets passing through all switch ports when systems (computers) are connected to a switch port. For this purpose, a network tap is more suitable than port monitoring.

Taps are less likely to drop packets during high traffic. On wireless LANs, a person can capture traffic on a specific channel or multiple channels using multiple adapters.

Unicast traffic is sent to a machine running Sniffer software on wired broadcast LANs and wireless LANs to record traffic.

Multicast traffic is sent to a multicast group that a machine listens to.

For broadcast traffic, a network adapter is used, which must be placed in promiscuous mode to record traffic. Some snipers support this, and some do not.

On wireless LANs, even if the adapter is in promiscuous mode, packets are usually ignored, not for the service suite but for the adapter to be configured. The adapter must be monitored to see its packages.

The recorded digital data is decrypted into a human-readable format so that the protocol analyzer’s users can easily revise the information exchanged.

Protocol analyzers modify their capabilities to display data in multiple views, automatically detect errors, determine root errors, generate timelines, recreate TCP and UDP data streams, and more. Some protocol analyzers can also generate traffic and act as a reference.

These can act as protocol testers.

Testers generate the correct protocol traffic for the test and may also be able to detect test errors. Protocol analyzers can also be hardware-based, either in probe format or combined with a disk array.

These devices record packets to the disk array, which allows packets to be analyzed without having to recreate any errors.

What are scanners used for?

Internal pointed out. One of the most essential scanners used these days is TCP dumping.

How do scanners serve network experts?

Since scanners are used to record packets, they provide accurate information to network experts. Among the essential services that scanners offer are the following:

Identify Security vulnerabilities

Analysis of historical data recorded by Deep Closed Recording (DPC) helps determine the sources of unauthorized entry. The DPC can record the traffic that accesses specific servers and other systems to verify that the traffic flow belongs to authorized employees. However, this technique can not work as an intrusion prevention system.

Data leak detection

The DPC’s analysis of historical data also helps to review the content, identify data leaks, and determine their source. DPC data analysis can also reveal which files have been sent offline.

Network troubleshooting

If an adverse event is detected on the network, the cause or source can be more reliably identified if the network administrator can access complete historical data. The DPC can record all packets continuously on essential network connections.

When an event occurs, the network administrator can accurately access the circumstances surrounding it, take corrective action, and ensure that no more problems occur. This helps to reduce the average repair time.

Legal prevention

Packet recording can be used to fulfill an obligation issued by the LEA law enforcement agency to provide all of the individual’s network traffic. In some countries, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and voice-over-Internet Protocol providers must comply with the rules. The DPC records all network activity.

By recording and storing packets, telecommunications agents can provide the legally required Security, separate access to target network traffic, and use a standard device for internal network Security.

DPC detectors can record loss-free traffic without compromising network performance.

However, DPC devices may not provide a document review chain or satisfactory Security for use in this application.

Diagnose data loss

Suppose unauthorized entry causes information to be stolen (such as credit card numbers, social Security numbers, medical information, etc.).
In that case, the network administrator can determine precisely what data has been stolen and what is still secure.

This can be useful for litigation when a credit card company receives a fraudulent request for an unauthorized purchase.

Review Security solutions

Once the DPC detects the unauthorized extraction or entry, the system administrator may respond to the attack on the system to prevent it. This helps the manager know if his solution has worked.

Legal issues

Closed recordings for forensic investigations can also be quickly made using open-source tools and systems. Examples of these tools are Free BSD and dump cap.

Comparative performance

If performance drops suddenly, historical data can allow the administrator to view a specific time window and identify the cause of performance issues.