Which tool monitors network traffic and captures data packets for analysis?

• A. Packet Analyzer
• B. Sniffer
• C. Router
• D. Switch

Answer: (A)

Capturing and analyzing network traffic is the job of a packet analyzer. It monitors the network, captures data packets, and decodes their headers and payloads so you can inspect what’s happening, diagnose connectivity issues, or study protocol behavior. This combination of capturing and interpreting the data makes it ideal for turning raw packets into readable, actionable information. A sniffer also captures packets, but the packet analyzer phrasing highlights the built-in analysis capability that’s essential for understanding the captured data. Routers and switches, by contrast, are about delivering data: routers connect different networks, and switches connect devices within a single network; they aren’t primarily used to capture and analyze traffic. So the packet analyzer best fits the description.