Purpose
What is PingStalker?
PingStalker is a comprehensive network monitoring and analysis tool designed specifically for macOS. It combines multiple professional-grade networking tools into a single, intuitive application that provides real-time visibility into your network infrastructure.
Who is PingStalker For?
PingStalker is designed for:
- Network Administrators - Monitor enterprise networks, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and track network performance
- IT Professionals - Diagnose network problems, identify rogue devices, and analyze wireless environments
- System Engineers - Test network configurations, verify routing tables, and validate DHCP/DNS operations
- Power Users - Understand home networks, optimize Wi-Fi performance, and secure network perimeters
- Security Professionals - Audit network devices, monitor for unauthorized access, and analyze network traffic patterns
Core Capabilities
Real-Time Network Monitoring
PingStalker provides continuous monitoring of your network environment without requiring manual refreshes. The application tracks:
- Network interface changes and IP address modifications
- Host availability and latency metrics
- DHCP and DNS operations
- Wi-Fi signal strength and access point changes
- Network traffic events (ARP, LLDP, CDP, 802.1X)
Comprehensive Device Discovery
The advanced 11-phase scanning engine discovers all devices on your network, identifying:
- IP and MAC addresses
- Device vendors (via OUI database)
- Hostnames and device models
- Open ports and available services
- Apple devices with specific model information
Wireless Network Analysis
For Wi-Fi networks, PingStalker provides enterprise-level analysis including:
- Signal strength and noise measurements
- Channel utilization and interference detection
- 802.11n/ac/ax capability analysis
- Neighboring access point discovery
- Roaming event tracking
Network Troubleshooting Tools
Built-in utilities help diagnose and resolve network issues:
- Subnet calculator for IP planning
- Routing table analysis
- Speed testing via Cloudflare CDN
- Packet capture integration with Wireshark
- MAC address vendor lookup
Key Advantages
All-in-One Solution
Rather than juggling multiple terminal commands, third-party utilities, and browser-based tools, PingStalker provides everything you need in a single, cohesive interface.
Native macOS Integration
Built specifically for macOS using Swift and SwiftUI, PingStalker integrates seamlessly with:
- System network frameworks
- Location Services for Wi-Fi SSID access
- BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) for packet capture
- Native permissions and security features
Privacy-Focused Design
The optional data obfuscation feature allows you to:
- Hide sensitive IP addresses and MAC addresses
- Mask hostnames for screenshots or presentations
- Share network information without exposing private details
Professional Features
PingStalker includes capabilities typically found only in expensive enterprise tools:
- LLDP and CDP neighbor discovery
- 802.1X authentication monitoring
- VLAN detection
- Internet Sharing monitoring
- Comprehensive wireless metrics
Use Cases
Home Network Management
- Identify all devices connected to your network
- Monitor your internet connection quality
- Optimize Wi-Fi channel selection
- Track bandwidth usage and latency
Enterprise Network Administration
- Discover rogue devices on corporate networks
- Monitor DHCP and DNS server operations
- Verify VLAN configurations
- Track switch and router neighbors via LLDP/CDP
Wireless Site Surveys
- Measure signal strength throughout facilities
- Identify channel interference
- Verify access point configurations
- Monitor roaming behavior
Network Troubleshooting
- Diagnose connectivity problems
- Verify routing configurations
- Test DNS resolution performance
- Monitor for packet loss
Security Auditing
- Identify unauthorized devices
- Monitor for ARP spoofing
- Track MAC address changes
- Verify network segmentation
Getting Started
Ready to start monitoring your network? Continue to the Registration page to set up PingStalker, or jump directly to the Toolbar guide to learn about the main interface.
PingStalker brings professional network monitoring capabilities to macOS in an accessible, intuitive package.