To Analyze the Data and Intent of the User and Purpose of Online Communication

Abstract

From hundreds to thousands of computers, hubs to switched networks, and Ethernet to either ATM or 10Gbps Ethernet, administrators need more sophisticated network traffic monitoring and analysis tools in order to deal with the increase. These tools are needed, not only to fix network problems on time, but also to prevent network failure, to detect inside and outside threats, and make good decisions for network planning. Computer software that can intercept and log traffic passing over a digital network or part of a network is better known as packet sniffer. The sniffer captures these packets by setting the NIC card in the promiscuous mode and eventually decodes them. The decoded information can be used in any way depending upon the intention of the person concerned who decodes the data (i.e. malicious or beneficial purpose). Depending on the network structure one can sniff all or just parts of the traffic from a single machine within the network. The term "online communication" refers to reading, writing, and communication via networked computers. It encompasses synchronous computer-mediated communication (whereby people communicate in real time via chat or discussion software, with all participants at their computers at the same time);asynchronous computer-mediated communication (whereby people communicate in a delayed fashion by computer, using programs such as e-mail); and the reading and writing of online documents via the World Wide Web.