An Overview of Free Network Scanning Tools - Nmap
(Page 3 of 4 )
Nmapis another port scanning tool that is used by network security professionals. If you manage a large network, Nmap is designed to rapidly scan it. It also can scan small networks as well.
Nmap performs various network scans, such as ping scans to see “alive” hosts on your network. Nmap also offers more sophisticated scans. These scans are based on packet type and protocol. You can also hide your identity by spreading scans across multiple hosts.
What you will love about Nmap is the fact that this tool homes in on potential hosts that are prone to be attacked. It may not be a proactive port scanning tool that you will find in an intrusion detection system tool, but Nmap will alert you if something is wrong. If you want to create a proactive strategy, you’ll no doubt need to add other tools, in addition to Nmap.
The application, originally written by Gordon Lyon, creates a “map” of your network. Nmap is flexible in that it supports most operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, FreeBSD, Linux, Solaris, Mac OS X, NetBSD, HP-UX, Amiga, and others. Nmap comes in two versions: GUI or command console.
Don’t think that Nmap performs only port scanning. It has other robust network management capabilities. Nmap, which stands for Network Mapper, also performs tasks, such as network asset inventory, tracking service uptime or host, and running services upgrade schedules.
This tool analyzes raw IP packets to find out crucial information about your network, including available hosts, services that your hosts are providing, operating systems and the kinds of firewalls/packet filters that are running, as well as other attributes.
If you’re a basic user, you can use the following command: nmap –v –Atargethost. But if you want to take advantage of more advanced features, you can also begin using these features right way. Refer to Nmap’sdocumentation. You want to be careful about using this tool incorrectly, however, because it can shut down your whole network. In hisMonitoring Network Integrity with nmap article, James Ervin recommended against downloading a binary distribution of Nmap.
Nmap has a comprehensive documentation section that you’ll find very valuable. Here, you can access white papers and tutorials. If English is not your native language, take advantage of the other languages in which the documentation is written. For example, you can find the documentation in Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese, among others.
Nmap has won various awards from Codetalker Digest and Linux Journal. You can also find this product featured in magazines and books.
Next: Fping >>
More Server Administration Articles
More By Joe Eitel
