Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sniffer

Noun
/ˈsnɪfər/
Definition
A device or tool used to detect or analyze data packets as they travel across a network.
Examples
  • A network sniffer can help troubleshoot slow connections.
  • The police used a sniffer dog to locate the hidden drugs.
  • He used a sniffer to track the whereabouts of the data leak.
Meaning
In networking, a sniffer captures data from the network to monitor traffic and diagnose issues. It can also refer to a tool used in various fields to detect certain substances or signals.
Synonyms
  • Detector
  • Analyzer
  • Probe
  • Interceptor