ABSTRACT
A packet sniffer is a tool used to monitor and capture data traveling over a network. The packet sniffer is similar to a telephone wiretap; but instead of listening to phone conversations, it listens to network packets and conversations between hosts on the network. The word
sniffer
is generically used to describe packet capture tools, similar to the way
crescent wrench
is used to describe an adjustable wrench. The original sniffer was a product created by Network General (now a division of Network Associates called Sniffer Technologies).
