network scanning.
These tools help network administrators, security professionals,
and others to scan networks, detect devices, and analyze the security of network
infrastructures:
### 1. **Nmap (Network Mapper)**
- **Platform**: Windows, Linux, macOS
- **Description**: Nmap is one of the most widely used network scanning tools
for discovering devices on a network and performing security audits. It can
identify live hosts, open ports, and running services.
- **Link**: [Nmap]([Link]
### 2. **Wireshark**
- **Platform**: Windows, Linux, macOS
- **Description**: Wireshark is a powerful network protocol analyzer that allows
users to capture and inspect packets on a network. It’s essential for
troubleshooting network issues and analyzing traffic.
- **Link**: [Wireshark]([Link]
### 3. **Angry IP Scanner**
- **Platform**: Windows, Linux, macOS
- **Description**: Angry IP Scanner is a fast and easy-to-use network scanner
that can scan IP addresses and ports. It's lightweight and simple for basic network
discovery.
- **Link**: [Angry IP Scanner]([Link]
### 4. **Advanced IP Scanner**
- **Platform**: Windows
- **Description**: A free network scanner for Windows that helps find all
devices on your network, provides information like device name, MAC address, and IP
address, and allows remote control.
- **Link**: [Advanced IP Scanner]([Link]
### 5. **Fing**
- **Platform**: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
- **Description**: Fing is a mobile network scanning app that provides detailed
information about devices on your local network, including IP addresses, MAC
addresses, and device types.
- **Link**: [Fing]([Link]
### 6. **Zenmap**
- **Platform**: Windows, Linux, macOS
- **Description**: Zenmap is the official GUI version of Nmap, designed to make
Nmap more accessible for users who prefer graphical interfaces. It simplifies the
use of Nmap’s features.
- **Link**: [Zenmap]([Link]
### 7. **Netcat**
- **Platform**: Windows, Linux, macOS
- **Description**: Netcat is a powerful networking tool for reading from and
writing to network connections using TCP or UDP. It is often used for scanning and
debugging network services.
- **Link**: [Netcat]([Link]
### 8. **LanScan**
- **Platform**: macOS
- **Description**: LanScan is a simple network scanner for macOS that allows you
to scan your local network, view IP and MAC addresses, and get detailed information
about network devices.
- **Link**:
[LanScan]([Link]
### 9. **NetSpot**
- **Platform**: Windows, macOS
- **Description**: NetSpot is primarily used for Wi-Fi site surveys and network
mapping. It provides details on network strength, signal coverage, and wireless
access points.
- **Link**: [NetSpot]([Link]
### 10. **PRTG Network Monitor**
- **Platform**: Windows
- **Description**: PRTG is a comprehensive network monitoring solution that also
includes tools for network scanning. It can monitor network health, detect devices,
and track bandwidth usage.
- **Link**: [PRTG Network Monitor]([Link]
### 11. **SolarWinds Port Scanner**
- **Platform**: Windows
- **Description**: SolarWinds offers a free port scanner that helps users
identify open ports and associated services on devices across a network.
- **Link**: [SolarWinds Port
Scanner]([Link]
### 12. **Nessus**
- **Platform**: Windows, Linux, macOS
- **Description**: Nessus is a vulnerability scanner that can also perform
network scanning. It is widely used in cybersecurity for identifying security
vulnerabilities in systems and devices.
- **Link**: [Nessus]([Link]
### 13. **Kismet**
- **Platform**: Linux, macOS, Windows (via WSL)
- **Description**: Kismet is a wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion
detection system. It is used to scan Wi-Fi networks, detect hidden networks, and
log network traffic.
- **Link**: [Kismet]([Link]
### 14. **CommView for WiFi**
- **Platform**: Windows
- **Description**: CommView for WiFi is a network monitor and analyzer that
scans wireless networks, detects all devices connected to Wi-Fi, and allows
detailed analysis of network traffic.
- **Link**: [CommView for WiFi]([Link]
### 15. **IP Scanner for Mac**
- **Platform**: macOS
- **Description**: IP Scanner is a simple tool for scanning local networks and
identifying devices by scanning IP addresses and ports. It also displays detailed
information about the network.
- **Link**: [IP Scanner for Mac]([Link]
### 16. **Shodan**
- **Platform**: Web-based
- **Description**: Shodan is a search engine that scans the internet for
connected devices. It provides information about exposed devices, ports, services,
and vulnerabilities.
- **Link**: [Shodan]([Link]
### 17. **The Dude (by MikroTik)**
- **Platform**: Windows
- **Description**: The Dude is a network management software by MikroTik that
includes network scanning, monitoring, and map creation. It automatically discovers
devices and provides real-time monitoring.
- **Link**: [The Dude]([Link]
### 18. **Scapy**
- **Platform**: Windows, Linux, macOS
- **Description**: Scapy is a powerful Python-based network tool that allows you
to interact with and manipulate network packets. It can be used for network
scanning and penetration testing.
- **Link**: [Scapy]([Link]
---
These tools can serve a wide range of purposes from simple device discovery and IP
scanning to full-fledged vulnerability and security scanning, depending on your
needs.
