Network Analyzers

netsniff-ng – Swiss army knife for network plumbing

netsniff-ng is a performant network analyzer and networking toolkit. It’s described as the Swiss army knife for network packets.

The gain of performance is reached by built-in zero-copy mechanisms, so that on packet reception and transmission the kernel does not need to copy packets from kernel space to user space, and vice versa.

The netsniff-ng toolkit’s primary usage goal is to facilitate a network developer’s / hacker’s daily Linux plumbing. It can be used for network development, debugging, analysis, auditing or network reconnaissance.

The netsniff-ng toolkit consists of the following utilities:

  • netsniff-ng, a fast zero-copy analyzer, pcap capturing and replaying tool.
    • Fast network analyzer based on packet mmap mechanisms.
    • Record pcap files to disc, replay them and also do an offline and online analysis.
    • Capturing, analysis or replay of raw 802.11 frames are supported as well.
    • pcap files are also compatible with tcpdump or Wireshark traces.
    • Processes those pcap traces either in scatter-gather I/O or by mmap I/O.
  • trafgen, a multithreaded low-level zero-copy network packet generator.
  • mausezahn, high-level packet generator for HW/SW appliances with Cisco-CLI.
  • bpfc, a Berkeley Packet Filter compiler, Linux BPF JIT disassembler.
  • ifpps, a top-like kernel networking statistics tool.
  • flowtop, a top-like netfilter connection tracking tool.
  • curvetun, a lightweight curve25519-based IP tunnel.
  • astraceroute, an autonomous system (AS) trace route utility.

Website: netsniff-ng.org
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: netsniff-ng developers
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

netsniff-ng is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to Network Analyzers


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments