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Network+ Exam

Software Tools

October 29, 2025

  • #network+

Software Tools

wi-fi analyzer -used to conuct wireless surveys, and to prevent non -desired overlap between wireles access points channels and zones.

protocol analyzer and packet capture - used to capture and analyze packets over a network

packet captureing tool - used to capture packets , wireshark. breakdown of each packet. cybersecurity also use it to trace, and view the contents of packets.

ethereal, protocol, expert,

packet capture packet snipper - tcpdup, windup. ect..

bandwidth speed test - verifies the real world throughput from a client device to the way back out to the inernet and back. downloads large random file from the internet and uploads it again to check throughput. there is a LAN version also.

port scanner - scanns a poert to see if it open closed, or accepting connectiong. nmap

NetFlow analyzer - perfomr monitoring troubleshooting and in-depth inspection, interpetation and synthis of traffic flow data. you can see what applicton ther is and

IP scanner - scanns for an IP address , normally can scann for a port scanner.

know which tool is for what.

Software Tools (Network+ N10-009)

Wireless Tools

  • Wi-Fi Analyzer
    • Performs wireless site surveys.
    • Identifies overlapping channels, rogue APs, weak coverage.
    • Helps optimize AP placement & channel usage.

Traffic Capture & Analysis

  • Protocol Analyzer / Packet Sniffer
    • Captures & inspects packets on the network.
    • Tools: Wireshark (formerly Ethereal), tcpdump (Linux), WinDump (Windows).
    • Used for troubleshooting, performance analysis, and security investigations.
  • Packet Capture Example Uses:
    • Check handshake process.
    • Identify retransmissions.
    • Inspect payload for malicious traffic.

Performance Testing

  • Bandwidth/Speed Test Tools
    • Measure real-world throughput (download/upload).
    • Can test Internet path (e.g., Speedtest.net) or LAN-only.
    • Detects congestion, ISP throttling, or poor LAN performance.

Scanning & Discovery

  • Port Scanner
    • Identifies open, closed, or filtered ports.
    • Tool: Nmap (industry standard).
    • Helps locate services, test firewall rules.
  • IP Scanner / Network Scanner
    • Discovers hosts and devices on a subnet.
    • Can overlap with port scanning.
    • Useful for inventory and detecting rogue devices.

Flow Analysis

  • NetFlow Analyzer
    • Uses Cisco’s NetFlow (or IPFIX) to collect traffic flow data.
    • Provides who, what, where of network traffic.
    • Helps identify heavy users, suspicious flows, or app-layer usage.

✅ Exam Must-Knows

  • Wi-Fi Analyzer = wireless coverage & channels.
  • Protocol Analyzer = packet-level inspection (e.g., Wireshark).
  • Port Scanner (Nmap) = check open/closed ports.
  • NetFlow Analyzer = analyze traffic flow patterns.
  • Speed Test = measure throughput (LAN or Internet).
  • IP Scanner = find active hosts.

⚡Memory Trick:

“Wi-Fi, Sniff, Scan, Flow, Speed.”