How to send Messages using Netcat?

In this section, we will see how we can send messages traditionally using Netcat. Using this approach, there can be buffering while sending messages which we will resolve in the below section.

Step 1: Install Netcat in Linux.

Before using Netcat for communication, it’s important to ensure that Netcat is installed on both the sending and receiving systems. Many Linux distributions facilitate the installation of Netcat through package managers like apt or yum. Here’s an example:

$ sudo apt-get install netcat # On Debian or Ubuntu
$ sudo yum install nc # For Red Hat/CentOS

Among the two you can install ‘netcat-traditional‘, by using the following command:

$ sudo apt-get install netcat-traditional

Step 2: Setting Up the Server on the Host Machine with a Specific Port

To set up the receiving system, initiate Netcat in server mode by listening on a designated port. For instance, you can execute the following command to listen on port 12345:

Syntax:

$ nc -l -p <port>

Command:

$ nc -l -p 12345

Step 3: Connection with Client Server

To establish a connection from the sending system to the server’s IP address and port, use the following command: Once the connection is established, data can be transmitted from the client to the server.

Syntax:

$ nc -l -p <port>

Command:

$ nc 127.0.0.1 12345

Step 4: Send Messages Using Netcat

Once the connection is established, both the client and server can send and receive data. using the netcat we can send the message immediately without buffering one end to another end as you can see in the below output.

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.