Masscan: Rate limit exceeded – превышена скорость отправки пакетов.

When using Masscan for network scanning, you may encounter the error message «Rate limit exceeded«. This error occurs when the tool sends packets at a rate higher than the network can handle, leading to dropped packets and inaccurate results. It is crucial to understand how to address this issue to ensure effective network scanning.

Why does the error occur?

The Masscan tool is designed to send packets at a high rate to scan large networks quickly. However, sending packets too fast can overwhelm the network equipment, resulting in the «Rate limit exceeded» error. This error is a protective measure to prevent network congestion and ensure the stability of the network.

How to resolve the issue?

To address the «Rate limit exceeded» error in Masscan, you can take the following steps:

• Reduce the scan rate: Lower the speed at which Masscan sends packets by adjusting the --rate parameter. This will help prevent overwhelming the network and reduce the likelihood of triggering the error.
• Optimize network settings: Check the configuration of your network equipment to ensure it can handle the packet rate generated by Masscan. Adjusting network settings or upgrading hardware may help prevent the error.
• Limit concurrent scans: Running multiple instances of Masscan simultaneously can increase the packet rate and trigger the error. Limit the number of concurrent scans to reduce the strain on the network.

Conclusion

Dealing with the «Rate limit exceeded» error in Masscan requires a careful balance between scan speed and network capacity. By adjusting scan rates, optimizing network settings, and limiting concurrent scans, you can effectively prevent this error and ensure reliable network scanning results.