What networking tool is used to monitor and intercept traffic over a computer network?

The selected answer is a Packet Analyzer, which is designed specifically to monitor and analyze the data packets transmitted over a network. It captures the packets flowing between devices in the network, allowing users to inspect the contents of the packets, including headers and payloads. This capability is essential for troubleshooting network issues, analyzing performance, and detecting unauthorized access or other security threats. Packet analyzers can provide detailed information about network traffic, such as protocol types, source and destination addresses, and even the specific data being transferred.

While other tools like Network Scanners are useful for identifying devices on a network and checking for open ports, they do not provide capabilities for capturing and analyzing the actual data being transmitted. Similarly, a Protocol Analyzer is a term that may sometimes be used interchangeably with Packet Analyzer, but it can imply a more specialized focus on certain protocols rather than general packet analysis. Traffic Managers, on the other hand, typically refer to systems used for controlling and optimizing the flow of data within a network rather than analyzing the data itself. Thus, the Packet Analyzer stands out as the correct answer due to its specific role in monitoring and intercepting traffic in a detailed manner.