Sniffnet is a cross-platform network traffic monitor designed to be user-friendly and informative. It captures and displays network packets in real-time, providing details such as source and destination IPs, ports, protocols, and data transfer sizes. Sniffnet aims to offer an accessible way to understand network activity, featuring a simple interface, color-coded packet information, and filtering options for easier analysis. Its cross-platform compatibility makes it a versatile tool for monitoring network traffic on various operating systems.
GyulyVGC's "sniffnet," hosted on GitHub, presents itself as a straightforward command-line utility designed for network traffic monitoring. Its core functionality revolves around capturing and displaying network packets traversing a user's system. This allows users to observe, in real-time, the flow of data entering and exiting their machine, providing insight into which applications are communicating over the network and with which remote hosts.
The tool distinguishes itself by focusing on simplicity and ease of use. It boasts a user-friendly interface presented directly in the terminal, eliminating the need for complex graphical interfaces or intricate configurations. This minimalist approach aims to make network monitoring accessible to a broader range of users, from seasoned system administrators to those with less technical expertise. The output displayed by sniffnet includes key information about each captured packet, such as the source and destination IP addresses and ports, the protocol being used (e.g., TCP, UDP), and the size of the data payload. This information can be invaluable for troubleshooting network connectivity issues, identifying bandwidth-intensive applications, or simply gaining a better understanding of one's network activity.
Sniffnet is written in Rust, a programming language known for its performance and memory safety, contributing to the tool's efficiency and robustness. The project's GitHub repository provides clear instructions for installation and usage, along with the source code for transparency and potential community contributions. It leverages the "pcap" library for packet capturing, suggesting compatibility across various operating systems. While the tool's primary focus is real-time monitoring, the project's description hints at potential future enhancements, possibly including more advanced filtering and analysis features. The overall objective of sniffnet, as conveyed by its creator, is to provide a lightweight yet powerful tool for gaining visibility into network traffic, empowering users with the knowledge and control over their own network interactions.
Summary of Comments ( 49 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42909530
HN users generally praised Sniffnet for its simple interface and ease of use, particularly for quickly identifying the source of unexpected network activity. Some appreciated the passive nature of the tool, contrasting it with more intrusive solutions like Wireshark. Concerns were raised about potential performance issues, especially on busy networks, and the limited functionality compared to more comprehensive network analysis tools. One commenter suggested using
tcpdumportsharkwith filters for similar results, while others questioned the project's actual utility beyond simple curiosity. Several users expressed interest in the potential for future development, such as adding filtering capabilities and improving performance.The Hacker News post "Sniffnet – monitor your Internet traffic" (linking to the GitHub repository for Sniffnet) generated a moderate amount of discussion with a focus on existing tools, the project's scope, and some potential use cases.
Several commenters immediately pointed out the existing, mature tools that perform similar functions. One commenter mentioned
tcpdumpandWireshark, highlighting their robust capabilities and established user base. This sentiment was echoed by others who suggested usingtsharkfor a more command-line focused approach to packet analysis, and alsonethogsfor bandwidth monitoring. These comments generally framed Sniffnet as potentially reinventing the wheel, implying that users might be better served by existing, feature-rich solutions.Some discussion revolved around the scope and target audience of Sniffnet. One user questioned the project's practical usefulness, wondering who would use a TUI (terminal user interface) application of this kind. Another user speculated that its primary appeal might be to less technical users or those who prefer a simplified, visual representation of network traffic within their terminal environment. It was also pointed out that Sniffnet might be useful for quick glances at traffic data without the overhead of launching more complex applications like Wireshark.
A few comments delved into more specific use cases and potential benefits of Sniffnet. One user highlighted the cross-platform nature of the tool as a potential advantage. Another user suggested its utility in quickly identifying the process responsible for network activity. One comment pointed out a potential niche for embedded systems where a full-blown Wireshark installation might be impractical due to resource constraints.
Finally, there was a brief thread discussing the merits of TUIs in general, with one commenter expressing a preference for TUIs like Sniffnet for their perceived efficiency and speed compared to graphical applications.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of skepticism regarding the project's novelty and potential user base, tempered by acknowledgements of its potential niche applications, particularly for those seeking a lightweight, cross-platform TUI solution for monitoring network traffic.