Open Source Linux network analyzer

Which are there? What features do they offer?


What exactly do you need?

  • wireshark - network sniffer/analyzer
  • iftop - bandwidth usage
  • darkstat - traffic analyzer
  • nmap - network port scanner
  • nessus - vulnerability scanner
  • metasploit - penetration testing

Can't believe nobody mentioned tcpdump. Click on the link to see the list of features


ntop is a solution that has been around for a while, can be extended with plugins. Here is a short how-to.


Wireshark (formerly ethereal) is my favorite.