What is a common use for packet sniffers?
Common uses include:
Aka Protocol Analyzers
Packet sniffers are used to intercept and log network traffic for security and performance.
True or false: Packet sniffers can only be used in wired networks.
FALSE
Packet sniffers can be used in both wired and wireless networks.
What are the two types of packet sniffers?
(2) types of packet sniffers are:
Network appliances are typically more robust and perform deeper inspections.
What type of information can be obtained from packet sniffers?
Packet Sniffers can obtain:
Packet sniffers can help enhance network security by identifying vulnerabilities.
A packet sniffer might be used in which situations?
Use a packet sniffer to:
What is the purpose of port scanning?
Port Scanning identifies which ports are open or listening on a network
Port scanning is important for security assessments.
What is the Vanilla Technique in port scanning?
A method where one system attempts to connect to all 65,536 ports on a target system
This technique helps determine the overall state of the ports.
What does a SYN scan do?
SYN scan sends TCP SYN packets to target ports to check if they’re open—without completing the full handshake—making it a fast and stealthy way to discover active services
This method is less detectable by firewalls.
What is a FIN scan used for?
A network scanning technique used to identify open or closed ports on a target system by sending TCP packets with only the FIN (Finish) flag set, without completing the standard three-way handshake
A reset flag response indicates the port is closed.
What does an Xmas Scan do?
A network scanning technique used to identify open or closed ports on a target system by manipulating specific flags in the TCP header of packets sent to those ports
The name derives from the visual appearance of the packet, where multiple TCP flags—FIN, URG, and PSH—are set simultaneously, resembling a lit-up Christmas Tree | Ports responding with a reset flag are closed, while others are open.
What is an FTP bounce scan?
A method that disguises the attacker’s location by sending packets through an open FTP server
This allows the attacker to scan a target without revealing their identity.
What is the purpose of a Sweep scan?
A Sweep scan identifies which systems are active on the network by sending ping commands
This helps discover potential targets.
What is the best practice for network security?
Best practices include:
No security approach is 100% effective, but these practices help minimize risks.
What are Wi-Fi analyzers used for?
Use a Wi-Fi analyzer to scan locations for effective Wi-Fi coverage and detect interference
They can be software or dedicated hardware devices.
What can Wi-Fi analyzers help determine regarding frequency bands?
Wi-Fi analyzers help determine:
This helps optimize Wi-Fi performance.
What information can be gathered from a Wi-Fi analyzer after network implementation?
After network implementation, Wi-Fi analyzers can gather:
This can help improve security by identifying unauthorized devices.
What is the purpose of bandwidth speed testing?
Bandwidth speed testing is used to ensure reliable network performance, identify bottlenecks, validate SLAs, and optimize infrastructure for business continuity and scalability.
This is necessary when expected bandwidth levels differ from actual performance.
Name a common method for assessing bandwidth.
Common method is to use speed testers
Speed testers provide a specific value as a baseline for comparison.
What factors can affect bandwidth?
Factors that affect bandwidth include:
Each factor can impact the performance and reliability of the network.
What is the impact of distance from the access point on wireless networks?
Distance affects the number of packets successfully processed
Greater distance can lead to packet loss and re-tries, making the network seem slow.
What is the role of ping in bandwidth testing?
Ping tests connectivity and measures response times
Ping replies provide a summary of response times and lost packets.
What is the expected response time for LAN pings?
Usually no more than a few milliseconds
Ideally, there should be no packet loss in a LAN environment.
What is the typical download/upload speed ratio provided by many service providers?
85/15 split favoring download speeds
This is common for services like video streaming where download speed is prioritized.
What is iPerf used for?
iPerf is used to determine the maximum bandwidth capabilities of TCP and UDP
It operates in a client-server configuration to test communications.