Investigating wired and wireless networks using a java-based programmable sniffer

ABSTRACT

Teaching students about networking requires laboratory investigation into network data. Such investigation requires examination of both wired and wireless network data. Most available network traffic sniffers are either too expensive or too cryptic to use. To implement network experiments in a classroom setting, we have developed NetSpy: a Java-based network sniffer that allows plug-in Java modules to analyze network data. NetSpy works with both wired and wireless networks. Modules are written by students as part of their experimentation with traffic data. This paper describes the NetSpy system and the way it can be used in a Networking clas.

REFERENCES

• 1: Cota, J.T., Implementicion de un Monitor Analizador Grafico de Reden el Entorno Gnome, Final Report on the Etherape Project, University of Seville, Spain, July 2001.
• 2: Etherape Software Repository, available online: http://etherape.sourceforge.net.
• 3: PCAP Public Repository, available online: http://www-nrg.ee.lbl.gov.
• 4: TCPDUMP Public Repository, available online: http://www.tcpdump.org.
• 5: The Ethereal Network Analyzer, available online: http://www.zing.org.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors, Security

Keywords:
java, network concepts, network sniffer, pedagogy