How do some networks hide their interior devices?

Ooron

Hi all. I noticed that sometimes Fing App is not able to scan all devices in a network. This often happens when I try to scan public networks but sometimes also smaller private networks prevent Fing App from scanning. Does anyone know why this is like that or how I probably can fix this?

Pooh

If the Fingbox works it's magic using a ping, then that's easily blockable (by having remote devices block ICMP packets), however I wasn't myself aware if there's any way to block an arp packet scanner (which I'd personally have thought the Fingbox would do).

In addition, many devices in a public network may be behind routers/firewalls and/or natted.

idea2go

Possibly related, but when a network shows us as 255 generic devices (one per IP address) and a few scattered actual devices I’ve often wished I could longpress or swipe on one of the generics to hide all of them.   Sorting helps somewhat but it’s not ideal.

VioletChepil

hi @Ooron a few more details on this one about why all devices may not be able to be scanned. 
The Fing App discovery will identify devices on a best effort basis, based on the information made available by the device, e.g. the MAC address. There are numerous reasons why the device might not be recognized correctly e.g. 
- Limited information being offered by specific devices. 
 - Location Permissions are not enabled for Fing App.
Are all devices connected to your network on which the Fing App is currently connected to? If you are connected to the 5ghz network and Fing is connected to the 2.4ghz network even though they all have the same name, you might not see the devices connected under the Device tab. And, if the router has multiple network interface which provides multiple frequencies(2.4Ghz and 5Ghz), and the devices are able to connect to multiple access points then you will see multiple names but only one will be active at a time and others will be greyed out.  
Let me know if you need any further details! 

Mike_Watson

VioletChepil said:

"If you are connected to the 5ghz network and Fing is connected to the 2.4ghz network even though they all have the same name, you might not see the devices connected under the Device tab"

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I also have problems detection some devices on my own network. I have my Fingbox connected via cable to my router, and then I guess it does not matter if my devices is connected to 2.4ghz or 5ghz...or ?

Mike_Watson

VioletChepil said:

"If you are connected to the 5ghz network and Fing is connected to the 2.4ghz network even though they all have the same name, you might not see the devices connected under the Device tab"

-------------

I also have problems detection some devices on my own network. I have my Fingbox connected via cable to my router, and then I guess it does not matter if my devices is connected to 2.4ghz or 5ghz...or ?

Mike_Watson

VioletChepil said:

"If you are connected to the 5ghz network and Fing is connected to the 2.4ghz network even though they all have the same name, you might not see the devices connected under the Device tab"

-------------

I also have problems detection some devices on my own network. I have my Fingbox connected via cable to my router, and then I guess it does not matter if my devices is connected to 2.4ghz or 5ghz...or ?

VioletChepil

@Mike_Watson What kind of devices are not being identified by the Fing App? Are the devices connected to any different access point not monitored by Fingbox?