RFWiFi Sniffers: Understanding Operation and Vendors
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This page provides a foundational understanding of WiFi sniffers, including their operation and functionality. We’ll also explore a selection of vendors and manufacturers offering WiFi sniffer solutions.
A WiFi sniffer is designed to capture and analyze WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) packets transmitted wirelessly by nearby WiFi devices. Essentially, it intercepts and decodes network traffic, providing insights into the communication occurring within a WiFi network.
The sniffer itself comprises both hardware and software components. The hardware is responsible for capturing the raw wireless signals, while the software application processes and displays the captured data in a user-friendly format, revealing valuable WLAN PHY (Physical Layer), MAC (Medium Access Control) layer, and upper-layer information. The sniffer effectively analyzes the complete WLAN protocol stack.
Given the evolution of WLAN standards (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad), it’s essential to select a sniffer that supports the specific standards relevant to your needs.
For a deeper understanding of the analysis capabilities expected from a sniffer, refer to documentation detailing WLAN MAC protocols.
WiFi Packet Sniffer Operation
WiFi Packet sniffer Application Note
The diagram illustrates a typical WiFi packet sniffer setup. As depicted, the WiFi protocol analyzer application typically leverages a built-in WiFi or WLAN card/chip present in a laptop or tablet to capture WiFi packets directly from the air.
One freely available application is Acrylic WiFi Professional. Key features include:
- Compatibility with Windows 7/8/8.1/10
- Displays channel information (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) and signal strength
- Shows source address, destination address, and BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier)
- Identifies frame types (management, control, data) and subtypes (beacon, probe request, probe response, ACK, etc.)
- Decodes and presents the entire frame data in hexadecimal format.
WiFi Sniffer Vendors and Manufacturers
The following table presents a selection of vendors and manufacturers offering WiFi sniffer software and hardware solutions:
| Company | WiFi Sniffer/WLAN Sniffer Description |
|---|---|
| TamoSoft | WiFi/WLAN packet analyzer for 802.11 WLAN Traffic; supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; scans for WiFi APs and Stations. |
| Fluke Networks | AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO |
| Savvius Inc. | OmniPeek |
| CACE Technologies (Part of Riverbed Technology) | AirPcap (802.11 wireless packet capture device) - also known as WLAN sniffer. |
| ACRYLIC WiFi | Network traffic sniffer, supports Windows 7/8/8.1/10. |
