How does network scanning work?
In a general sense, network administrators use network scanning to identify active hosts on a network by evaluating IP addresses and more. The same types of principles can also be used in cyberattacks to find weaknesses in a system.
In a practical sense, there are different tools and techniques for network scanning. Administrators may conduct ping sweeps, where they find a range of IP addresses that map to live hosts in the network. This may require using tools like Nmap to look at how these IP addresses are mapped.
Administrators can also use port scans, which send messages to each port in a network, to look at where that network is strong or weak. Different types of port scans include a regular or "vanilla" port scan where the scanner sends out communications to all of the ports in a system. Where this is not practical, administrators can use more specific types of scans like a strobe scan, stealth scan or other technique.
Tags
Written by Justin Stoltzfus | Contributor, Reviewer

Justin Stoltzfus is a freelance writer for various Web and print publications. His work has appeared in online magazines including Preservation Online, a project of the National Historic Trust, and many other venues.
More Q&As from our experts
- What is the difference between little endian and big endian?
- How can unstructured data benefit your business's bottom line?
- What are some of the dangers of using machine learning impulsively without a business plan?
Related Terms
- Network Scanning
- Port Scanning
- Port Scanner
- Network Administrator
- Network Administration
- Internet Protocol Address
- Cyberattack
- Ping
- Network Port
- Information Assurance
Related Articles

Top Must-Know Network Security Tricks

VoIP - Backdoor to Your Network?

Top 3 Wi-Fi Security Vulnerabilities
Tech moves fast! Stay ahead of the curve with Techopedia!
Join nearly 200,000 subscribers who receive actionable tech insights from Techopedia.
- The CIO Guide to Information Security
- Robotic Process Automation: What You Need to Know
- Data Governance Is Everyone's Business
- Key Applications for AI in the Supply Chain
- Service Mesh for Mere Mortals - Free 100+ page eBook
- Do You Need a Head of Remote?
- Web Data Collection in 2022 - Everything you need to know