How to Force Netcat to send messages immediately (without buffering)?

In this section, we will see two different approaches/methods to force Netcat to send messages immediately without encountering the buffering issue while communicating.

• Method 1: Using ‘-n’ and ‘-N’ options with ‘echo’
• Method 2: Using ‘unbuffered’ command

Let’s explore each of the methods in detail.

Method 1: Using ‘-n’ and ‘-N’ options with ‘echo’

Step 1: First open the terminal of your Linux System by pressing the shortcut key as “CTRL + ALT + T“.

Step 2: Run the following command to execute the method:

$ echo -n "Your message" | nc -n -N <destination_ip> <port_number>

Replace <destination_ip> with the destination IP address and <port_number> with the target port number.

Method 2: Using the ‘unbuffered’ command

Step 1: So to execute this method Ensure the expected package is installed. If not, install it –

$ sudo apt-get install expect   # For Debian/Ubuntu

Step 2: Open your terminal, Execute the following command –

$ unbuffer echo "Your message" | nc <destination_ip> <port_number>

Replace <destination_ip> with the destination IP address and <port_number> with the target port number.

Netcat, also known as “nc,” is a tool that helps devices communicate with each other. It’s handy for sharing information over the internet. Initially made for Unix-like systems, it’s now crucial for checking networks, securing data transfers, and assessing network security. A key thing about Netcat is that it can make two-way communication happen. It can effectively transfer data between two systems and support various applications. Because it’s easy to use, many IT professionals find it essential for fixing network issues or checking security.