Definition
Scanning networks is the process of systematically probing a network to identify active devices, open ports, and running services. This is typically accomplished using specialized software tools that send packets to various IP addresses and analyze the responses received. Understanding network topology and potential vulnerabilities is crucial for effective network management and security. For instance, a security analyst might scan a subnet to discover unauthorized devices connected to the corporate network. This differs from network mapping, which focuses on logical connections rather than active hosts and services. Knowledge of network scanning is fundamental for certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISSP.