HTTP Sniffer Finds Poor Code That Clogs Web Traffic

By Asher Weichselbaum...

People use their computers daily, hardly thinking about the way little bits of information zoom around the globe at the speed of light, thanks to the marvel of the Internet. Those zooming data bits rely on computer directions known as HyperText Transfer Protocols to get where they're going accurately and efficiently. That's why an application known as HTTP Sniffer can be such a help

There are many such programs on the market, but one of the easiest to use is actually a freeware program called HTTP Sniffer. This software is known as a network analyzer, a packet analyzer or a protocol analyzer. Its job is to intercept data packets traveling over a network, log it, and then decode and assess its content.

A sniffer can use any set of rules or guidelines established by a network engineer or administrator to conduct its evaluation. An administrator may be looking for specific sets of code that have been found to be harmful, such as viruses or other "malware." Or the administrator may be simply keeping an eye on overall performance, watching for poor code that can clog up Internet traffic.

In other words, a sniffer works like a highly trained guard dog. It follows its handler's commands to the letter, searching for those bits of code that don't work well or intend harm to networks or computers. Then it alerts its handler to the existence of a potential threat to system performance so that the administrator can fix the problem.

As security software, a sniffer enables network administrators to "spy" on other network users to monitor usage and collect sensitive data such as passwords, although this function may be complicated if encryptions are used. A packet analyzer also can help Internet security analysts "reverse engineer" any proprietary protocols found on the network to determine their effect and their source.

This versatility makes HTTP Sniffer a valuable tool for enhancing Internet security and performance.

Article Source: http://interpret.zar.vg

About The Author
An HTTP sniffer is a handy piece of software that can help to keep digital information traveling at the speed of light. Also known as a website analyzer, it unclogs network traffic and makes it operate more efficiently.