Monitoring port 80

Will · November 30th, 2009, 02:56 PM

I want to build a basic application that will monitor connections on port 80 to a webserver(s) and I am not sure how to go about this. As this is the first time I have looked at anything like this.

I don't want direct answers but a point in the right direction never hurt anyone. Useful resources people have on stuff like this would be appreciated.

samjudson · November 30th, 2009, 05:06 PM

Mmm, sounds like quite a task - not what I'd call 'basic'.

Two options that I can think of, either write a proxy server that listens on port 80 and then forwards everything on to the real web server, or a promiscuous network scanner.

I wouldn't want to write either in C#, especially the later. There are as you can imagine plenty of both types of applications already in existence, Etheral being the most famous in the later category.

Also consider simply analysing your existing web server log files - this may provide the information you are after without the complexity.

Will · November 30th, 2009, 05:16 PM

hmm why would you not use C#? I say basic but I don't intend to finish this easily it's more of a project where I can learn and try things out than one I expect to knock out quickly.

It doesn't really serve any purpose other than a learning experience and it's intended task.

I will google both of your suggestions and see what I come up with.

samjudson · November 30th, 2009, 05:46 PM

Well in terms of fit for purpose I still think of .Net programs lacking a bit in terms of speed for this type of application. I could be wrong however - and if it is just a learning experience you want then speed might not be your priority.

But then what do I know :)

http://www.mentalis.org/soft/projects/proxy/
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/IP/hssniffer.aspx

Will · November 30th, 2009, 05:56 PM

Speed at the moment is definitely not a priority but a working application is. Thanks a lot for those links they look like they will be useful.

irProject · December 1st, 2009, 01:21 AM

some programs monitor specified port using C#. you can use this samples. you can find a link to download this program at linq-class-csharp.blogfa.com